EU air transport: compensation levels frozen at 2005 levels. Here’s what’s changing under the new rules
Guidance from RimborsoAlVolo. Compensation of 250 euros is provided for flights of up to 1,500 km, 400 euros for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and 600 euros for all longer flights
- Compensation remains at 2004 levels
- What will change for travellers under the new European rules
- Prices
- Minors and passengers with disabilities
- Passengers who do not make the outward journey
- The exceptional circumstances that result in the loss of the right to compensation
- Correcting errors in passenger data
- Information on claiming compensation
The provisions of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on passengers’ rights to assistance, refunds and compensation in the event of a long delay or flight cancellation represent a cost to airlines that currently stands at 8 billion euros per year, despite the fact that only a very small proportion of travellers, around 30 per cent of the total, actually take steps to claim the compensation of between 250 and 600 euros provided for by the legislation. This is highlighted by RimborsoAlVolo, a company specialising in air transport and passenger assistance, which has scrutinised the changes announced by the EU.
Compensation remains at 2004 levels
The company emphasises that the European Parliament and the Council have now confirmed the compensation, but without increasing the amount of financial compensation, which therefore remains at the levels introduced in 2004, namely 250 euros for flights of up to 1,500 km, €400 for journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 for all longer journeys. This is a blow to European citizens, given that from 2005 – the year in which the EU provisions on passenger rights came into force – until 2025, cumulative inflation in the European Union will exceed 50 per cent, effectively halving the real value of the compensation.
What’s changing for travellers under the new European rules
So what will change from 2027 onwards under the new rules negotiated by the European institutions? Little or nothing, according to RimborsoAlVolo.
Prices
As regards pricing, to ensure transparency and comparability between different offers, airlines will be required to display fares that include the cost of hand luggage – which will not, however, be free of charge – and passengers will still be able to opt for the basic fare without a trolley when booking. The new rules do not introduce any improvements regarding the maximum dimensions of hand luggage, leaving the matter entirely at the discretion of the airlines.
Children and passengers with disabilities
Children under the age of 14 and passengers with reduced mobility may sit next to their accompanying adults at no extra cost. Support for passengers with disabilities has been improved and new rights regarding the carriage of special equipment have been introduced.
