Just read an interesting news report that the European Parliament are voting today on new legislation that will increase the amount of compensation paid to airline passengers in the the case of delays, cancellations and over-booking.
The main details seem to be:
- Delayed travellers will be able to demand their air fares be refunded.
- At present, customers who are bumped (refused boarding because of over-booking) may choose between another flight and a full refund, plus compensation. This compensation is set to double nearly.
- Passengers affected by bumping or cancellations will receive compensation of 250 euros for short-haul flights, rising incrementally to 600 euros for long-haul flights.
- Travellers waiting more than two hours for a short-haul flight (four hours for long-haul) can demand a full refund.
Fingers crossed that the new laws are passed. However, even if they are it will still be a year until they come into operation. Just enough time for the airlines to get their act together then...
Paul
The main details seem to be:
- Delayed travellers will be able to demand their air fares be refunded.
- At present, customers who are bumped (refused boarding because of over-booking) may choose between another flight and a full refund, plus compensation. This compensation is set to double nearly.
- Passengers affected by bumping or cancellations will receive compensation of 250 euros for short-haul flights, rising incrementally to 600 euros for long-haul flights.
- Travellers waiting more than two hours for a short-haul flight (four hours for long-haul) can demand a full refund.
Fingers crossed that the new laws are passed. However, even if they are it will still be a year until they come into operation. Just enough time for the airlines to get their act together then...
Paul
In my opinion a high fine is a good thing, as it reduces the likelihood of the company abusing the system - if it's too low then they'll just grin and bear it, whereas £450 per passenger would make a nice little dent in their profits - using Rick's example of 400 people being overbooked on the Manchester flight that would add up to £180,000!
