Milan, 7 July (LaPresse) – MEPs today gave their final approval to the amendments to the regulation on air passenger rights agreed with the Council of the EU in the Conciliation Committee, which confirm existing rights, introduce simpler procedures for refunds and compensation, and establish new rights. The amendments were approved by 646 votes in favour, 12 against and 3 abstentions. In force since 2004, these rules guarantee adequate protection against certain travel disruptions, such as denied boarding, flight delays or cancellations. The new rules safeguard passengers’ fundamental right to a refund or alternative transport (re-routing) in the event of a flight cancellation. Passengers will also continue to be able to claim compensation in the event of a delay of more than three hours, a flight cancellation notified less than 14 days in advance, or denied boarding. The amount of compensation for delayed or cancelled flights has been maintained at the current level and will depend on the flight distance: €250 for journeys of up to 1,500 km, €400 for intra-EU journeys of more than 1,500 km and for other journeys between 1,500 km and 3,500 km, and finally €600 for all longer journeys. Airlines may reduce compensation by 50 per cent for longer journeys if they offer passengers re-routing to their final destination following an interruption, or if the delay on arrival does not exceed four hours. Airlines will not be required to pay compensation if the delay or cancellation is caused by events beyond their control.
Air travel: European Parliament gives final approval to new rules on passenger rights
Milan, 7 July (LaPresse) – MEPs today gave their final approval to the amendments to the regulation on air passenger rights agreed with the Council of the EU in the Conciliation Committee, which confirm existing rights, introduce simpler procedures for refunds and compensation, and establish new rights. The amendments were approved by 646 votes in favour, 12 against and 3 abstentions. In force since 2004, these rules guarantee adequate protection against certain travel disruptions, such as denied boarding, flight delays or cancellations. The new rules safeguard passengers’ fundamental right to a refund or alternative transport (re-routing) in the event of a flight cancellation. Passengers will also continue to be able to claim compensation in the event of a delay of more than three hours, a flight cancellation notified less than 14 days in advance, or denied boarding. The amount of compensation for delayed or cancelled flights has been maintained at the current level and will depend on the flight distance: €250 for journeys of up to 1,500 km, €400 for intra-EU journeys of more than 1,500 km and for other journeys between 1,500 km and 3,500 km, and finally €600 for all longer journeys. Airlines may reduce compensation by 50 per cent for longer journeys if they offer passengers re-routing to their final destination following an interruption, or if the delay on arrival does not exceed four hours. Airlines will not be required to pay compensation if the delay or cancellation is caused by events beyond their control.
