Rules for air passengers rights in Europe are set to see a major shakeup following a review of Regulation 261. Cancellations and long delays are often the dampener to a long-awaited holiday for many Brits, despite the European Union’s bid to transport passenger care. In 2004, the bloc announced new regulations which saw an increased duty of care for travellers facing disruption to their journey, at the fault of the airline.
This often includes accommodation and compensation. Since the rules were initially brought in, many airlines found ways to avoid these rules, as well as the European Court of Justice altering the original aim of Regulation 261. However, the EU is now revising the regulation, with the European Parliament and Council of the European Union agreeing fresh proposals.
One of the anticipated rule changes will be the cash compensation rates for those whose journeys were delayed or cancelled. The new proposals include a €300 (£252) payout for disruption to flights up to 1,500km, a €50 (£42) increase.
However, compensation for shorthaul flights will see the only rise, with proposals for flights travelling 1,500-3,500km, which face disruption, to be €300 (£252), down from €400 (£336).
Flights over 3,500km could also see a drop – compensation rates are currently €600 (£505), yet plans could see this decrease to €500 (£421).
The length of delay will also increase before a pay-out is made, rising from three hours to four hours for flights up to 3,500km. For flights over this distance, the required delay time will be six hours, up from four, in order to claim any money back.
Other key changes to disrupted journeys could include the duty of care being limited to three nights accommodation.
Airlines will also be able to claim redress for any financial damage caused from third parties which results in a duty of care for passengers. For example, if a fire broke out at an airport.
“Extraordinary circumstances”, often used by airlines to avoid compensation payouts, may also become more specific.
For example, airlines will no longer be required to have staff stationed at all destinations in case a crew member becomes unwell, and strikes among airline staff no longer require compensation to be paid.