A broad majority of 646 MEPs voted in favor of the reform. Compensation for delays remains unchanged: passengers are entitled to between 250 and 600 euros for delays of three hours or more, depending on the flight distance. The condition is that the airline is responsible for the delay – weather, natural disasters or strikes by ground staff are not included.
Passengers will have nine months to assert their claims. The airline must pay out within 30 calendar days or explain why it is not paying. If problems arise, passengers have the right to alternative transport – for example to another airport, with another airline or by train. The airline must offer this within three hours; if the passenger arranges it themselves, the airline will reimburse up to 400 percent of the original price.
The rules apply to EU airlines as well as to non-European companies that depart from the EU. After the rules come into force, airlines will have twelve months to implement the requirements.
Source: www.zeit.de
