The EU hits airline passengers? “Current regulations are outdated”

On Thursday, the ministers of transport of EU member states agreed on a joint position on changes in the rights of airlines – announced this meeting the head of the infrastructure ministry Dariusz Klimczak. Compensation will be available from four hours of delay instead of three.

The compromise was proposed by the Polish presidency, for which bringing work in the EU Council in this matter was a priority. Now the presidency will be able to agree on the final shape of the regulations with the European Parliament.

“The current regulations are outdated, illegible, they do not match today's realities. Therefore, we have introduced 30 new passenger rights from the moment the ticket was purchased to the moment of boarding the aircraft” – announced Klimczak at a press conference. He added that the rights of passengers in the Union have not been changed for two decades – since Poland has been in the EU.

According to him, the changes provide for higher compensation for canceled or delayed flights in the EU.

The right to reimbursement or a change in the travel plan is to be strengthened. “When the carrier cannot propose a change in the route within three hours, the passenger is to have the right to independently find a connection of a similar standard, taking into account the ticket cost limit” – emphasized Klimczak.

However, after four hours of delay in place of the current three, they will be entitled to compensation. In Klimczak's assessment, this will increase the chances of solving the problem through the airline and realize the flight instead of its dismissal.

Two time thresholds in the field of flight delays

Two time thresholds in the field of flight delays will be proposed – depending on their length. Four hours will apply for travel below 3.5 thousand. km and all flights inside the Union, while for flights over 3.5 thousand km – six hours.

The passenger will be able to improve the spelling of his name at the latest 48 hours before departure. He will also be able to take one personal thing like a small handbag.

“There will be no surprises, the airlines will have to inform passengers about any changes during the journey. And if the flight is canceled, the airline must inform passengers about the alternative possibilities of reaching the destination and all other means of help, including damages” – mentioned Klimczak.

“We have also introduced some cleaning on delays on the airport,” announced the Minister of Infrastructure. When the passengers are on the plane and this one does not move, the carrier must provide drinking water and the right to use the toilet. Passengers must get off the plane over three hours of waiting.

Changes in passenger rights were proposed by the European Commission in 2013. However, Member States were not able to reach an agreement and the legislative procedure for over a decade was stuck in the EU Council. The problem was especially the issue of extending the time of travel delay, after which passengers are entitled to compensation. Currently, passengers should be compensated after three hours, while the EC proposed that this period would be extended to five hours.

From Brussels Magdalena Cedro (PAP)

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