Negotiations between EU member states and the European Parliament on reforming airline passenger rights have reached a breakthrough. The states backed away from their demand to pay compensation only after four hours of delay. This means the current rule remains: passengers are entitled to compensation for delays of three hours or more, provided the airline is responsible for the delay.
German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) expressed satisfaction. “There was significant progress in the Committee of Permanent Representatives in Brussels on the new regulation of passenger rights,” she said. The core of the agreement is that consumers retain the right to compensation after three hours of delay. The amount of compensation also remains unchanged. The compromise also includes improvements, such as price comparisons for hand luggage and information about rights.
The reform also provides a list of extraordinary circumstances for which airlines are not liable. The rules apply to flights by EU carriers and foreign flights departing from the EU. Airlines must inform affected passengers of their rights within 96 hours in the future.
Source: www.deutschlandfunk.de
