New air passenger rights: This is how much money you get for delays!

New air passenger rights: This is how much money you get for delays!

EU transport ministers have agreed on new air passenger rights that will revise the existing system for compensation payments. This advancement is in response to the current challenges travelers face due to flight delays. Compensation payments are now set as follows: 250 euros for flights up to 1,500 km, 400 euros for flights up to 3,500 km and 600 euros for long-haul flights over 3,500 km, such as Bietigheim newspaper reported. These adjustments could have far-reaching impacts on airline travel behavior and performance.

The airlines argue that they are often unable to provide a replacement aircraft and crew within three hours. In fact, surveys by the German lobby association BDL show that 73% of passengers are willing to claim compensation only after five hours of delay. Only 21% consider it important to pay compensation after just three hours, even if this means a later arrival. Airlines and associations fear that if there is high compensation payments, an additional flight will be foregone in case of doubt, which is why five hours is considered a better time limit.

Development of air passenger rights

Air passenger rights have continuously developed over the years. The first national regulations to protect passengers came into force in the early years of air travel. A key milestone was the 1999 Montreal Convention, which redefined airlines' liability for delays and loss of baggage. EU Regulation 261/2004, which came into force on February 17, 2005, introduced a comprehensive system of compensation and support services for passengers.

The regulation regulates the claims of passengers against airlines in the event of delays, cancellations or denied boarding. In particular, airlines are obliged to offer the affected passengers support services such as meals, hotel accommodation and alternative transport. Under these new regulations, it is expected that both passengers and airlines will have a clearer understanding of their rights and obligations, which could lead to improved travel experiences in the long term, according to information from SOS flight delay.

Overall, the continuous adjustment of flight rights is an important step towards strengthening passenger rights and ensuring fair treatment in the aviation industry. With the newly planned compensation regulations, it is expected that the pressure on airlines will increase to find more efficient solutions to delays and cancellations.