Five instead of three hours
Aviation lobby wants longer deadlines for compensation
A reform of passenger rights is discussed in the EU. Passengers would less frequently receive compensation for flight delays. The German air traffic lobby argues for this.
In the discussion about the rights of European passengers, the German air traffic lobby BDL wants to enforce longer deadlines for compensation payments. Passengers should only receive a claim to payments after five instead of three hours, the association demands and thus supports a proposal from the EU Commission.
Within this extended period, the airlines would be much more possible to provide a replacement aircraft and bring the guests to their destination, argues BDL managing director Joachim Lang. There would be fewer failures. He says: “People don’t want to get 250 euros in hand, they want to come home on the same day if possible.”
Under the current conditions, airlines often refrained from renting and sending a replacement aircraft including the crew in view of the additional fines. Instead, the guests would then be rebooked for later flights, says Lang. “The passengers may have to wait one or two days for their return flight.”
80 percent less compensation
In the past few weeks, consumer advocates as well as passenger portals have clearly spoken out against the planned extension of the deadlines. According to their assessment, around 80 percent of the passengers concerned would no longer receive compensation.
The new Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Stefanie Hubig (SPD), has also positioned itself against longer compensation periods. The EU Transport Minister will discuss the Passenger Ordinance this Thursday. In addition, the EU Parliament should also agree with changes.
dpa
Source: Stern
