Delayed airline flights, higher refunds and free hand luggage
European Transport Commission rescinds compensation for passengers in the event of air transport disruptions and increases refunds from EUR 250 to EUR 300
Key points
The European Parliament, through the Transport Commission, has saved the compensation due to passengers in the event of inefficiency in the air transport sector. After last Monday's vote in the European Parliament's Commission, the regulations have been revised in favour of consumers, averting the concerns that had first appeared with the proposal to trigger reimbursement in the event of delays of more than 4 hours instead of the current 3 hours and for flights within 1500 kilometres. If this proposal had passed, 85% of delay cases would have been cut off from the right to compensation currently provided for by the regulations, which are worth between 170 and 200 million euros per year in Italy, and which involve 650 users, 10 billion in Europe, explains RimborsoAlVolo, a company specialising in assistance to travellers. Reimbursements for flights up to 1500 kilometres have also been increased.
The new reimbursement amounts
The new Article 7 of European Regulation No. 261/2004, the regulation governing air passengers' rights in the event of delay, cancellation or denied boarding, redefines the amounts of compensation if the airlines are responsible for the inconvenience:
- 300 euros for all flights up to 1,500 km from the current 250 euros
- 400 euros for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km (confirmed);
- 600 euros for flights over 3,500 km (confirmed).
The amounts will also be automatically updated every three years according to the European Index of Consumer Prices (EICP) published by Eurostat, as provided for in Regulation (EU) 2016/792. This will ensure periodic adjustments for inflation without further legislative changes.
How to obtain reimbursement
Refunds can only be paid by bank transfer or credit card, guaranteeing speed and traceability: no vouchers, as in the current regulation, can be taken into account. Airlines will also be obliged to provide clear and accessible information on passengers' rights both on their tickets and on their websites.
Every five years, the European Commission will present an evaluation report on the application of the regulation, analysing delays, cancellations and possible updates on compensation amounts.
