Aircraft passengers have been warned about the new four-hour rule before this summer holidays. The move has impacted EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI and Jet2 customers, following a decision by the European Union (EU).
As reported on Yorkshire Live, there is an increase in the time frame for claiming compensation for delayed flights. After 12 years of discussion, it is agreed that claims for compensation for short-distance flights can only be made after more than four hours delay. This number used to be three hours.
Meanwhile, long-distance travelers must be delayed at least six hours before they can provide relief. The cause of delays also affects the amount of compensation people receive.
The A4E, representing the leading airlines across Europe, said, “Europe has been waiting for 12 years for transparent and viable passenger rights, with member states falling into the final hurdle, and member states diluting the European Commission's original proposal and introducing even more complexity.”
Meanwhile, German members of the European People's Party have expressed their opposition to the move. They said, “Reducing passengers' rights to compensate will be a step in the wrong direction. A three-hour delay has been the norm for many years and should remain as is.”
A senior EU diplomat added, “Politicians have nothing to say for more than four hours.” They emphasized their reluctance to extend the current cutoff of airport delays.
“The European Court of Justice has made it very clear that baggage is an integral part of the basic ticket price. Usually, there is no extra price charge as long as the baggage is a reasonable size,” said Stephen Berger, a lawyer for the European Consumer Organization (BEUC).
“All we're looking at is the surge in airlines charging this package. We're looking for very clear rules. Passengers must be able to take a baggage, a small suitcase or a backpack.
“At this point, there are two different opposition positions among the council members. Overall, you have a camp in the Member States that will protect three hours to benefit from the right to compensation.
