From three hours late
Hubig wants to defend a compensation rule for flight travelers
Passengers affected by delays could be less likely to be entitled to compensation in the future. The Federal Minister of Justice does not believe in plans that are discussed at the EU level.
Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig has clearly spoken out against a change in the compensation regulations discussed in Brussels for passengers affected by delay. “Hours of flight delays are a real nuisance,” said the SPD politician, who is responsible for consumer protection in the federal government.
Such delays could mess with important plans or spoil the start of the vacation deserved. The costly lifetime, said the minister of the German Press Agency.
Reform plans will soon be decided
The EU countries are currently advising on a European Commission’s proposal, which, among other things, only provides for compensation for significantly longer delays than before.
According to the 2004 (EC 261) flight right, passengers from a three-hour delay of passengers are currently entitled to a flat-rate compensation between 250 and 600 euros.
According to the Commission’s proposal, this threshold is to be raised to five to twelve hours and depend on the flight distance. According to consumer advocates, around 80 percent of the compensation would be eliminated.
“Consumer rights are not a luxury that you can simply abolish in economically challenging times,” said Hubig. It will therefore work to ensure that air travelers will continue to be compensated from a delay of three hours. “Germany cannot agree to any regulation in Brussels that is one -sidedly aimed at the interests of the airlines,” said the minister in Berlin, where the conference of consumer protection ministers ends today.
In addition to the regulations, controversy is currently being discussed for late and unusual flights via the business model of some airlines to request additional fees for larger hand luggage.
dpa
Source: Stern
