As Rzeczpospolita writes, the proposals were prepared by the Polish presidency and accepted by EU transport ministers. The International Association of Air Carriers (IATA) assesses these changes positively – this is the first real attempt to amend the 261/2004 regulation for several years.
However, not everyone is satisfied. Germany, Spain, Portugal and Slovenia expressed an objection, and European consumer organizations and offices that help passengers claim claims are outraged.
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Longer delay – less chance of compensation
As “Rz” writes, the new regulations provide for two time thresholds of delays, after which the traveler could apply for compensation. For flights inside the Union or at distances of up to 3.5 thousand km, it will be possible only after 4 hours (instead of the present 3). On routes over 3.5 thousand km – only after 6 hours.
Although the original proposal predicted an even longer threshold for short flights (up to 5 hours), the final version was slightly softened. For this compensation are to be flat -rate – 300 euros for shorter flights, 500 euros for longer, regardless of the direction.
The passenger's right to find an alternative connection in the same class and a similar price – and applying for reimbursement from the original carrier is also new.
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Only symbolic hand luggage
The revolution will also affect hand luggage rules. Currently, many traditional lines (e.g. LOT, Lufthansa) allow you to take a suitcase with specific dimensions without additional fees. After the changes, only one small piece of luggage will be free – e.g. a handbag, a backpack or a laptop bag, which must fit under the seat. For everything larger, the carrier will be able to demand a subsidy, writes “Rzeczpospolita”.
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Criticism from consumer organizations
According to Agustín Reyna from the European Consumer Organization (BEUC), the new regulations hit ordinary passengers, because most of the delays are in the range of 2-4 hours – and therefore would not qualify for compensation. He considers additional fees to be contrary to EU law.
In turn, airlines and IATA argue that current regulations generate huge costs for the industry – up to EUR 5 billion a year. According to Willie Walsh, the head of IATA, lines pay for delays and cancellations even when they result from reasons beyond their control – e.g. infrastructure failures or flight control problems.
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Experts: This is not the passenger to gain
Dominik Lewandowski, head of the delayfix office, quoted by “Rzeczpospolita”, has no illusions – the extension of time thresholds will not help shortening delays, but only will allow carriers to avoid payments. He is also afraid that the lines will start to “tighten” the connection network even more, which will increase the risk of further delays without financial consequences.
In his opinion, The new regulations perfectly fit into current trends – limiting passenger rights, growing subsidies, maximizing profits and minimizing responsibility. He considers the translation of these changes with the good of the client as ordinary populism.
