Europe Toughens Airline Compensation Rules

Jul 3, 2003

Europe is set to hand air travelers increased cash pay outs if they do not get proper service from airlines.

The European Parliament will, later today, give passengers the legal right to claim bigger compensation payments if their flights are cancelled or they are bumped off planes through overbooking by airlines.

The tougher rules, first proposed last year, have been opposed by airlines, particularly the continent's growing number of low cost carriers who say the larger handouts will force them to raise fares.

Under the new rules passengers will be able to get full refunds for delays or cancellations as well as compensation.

Once the EU has given its formal blessing, compensation for problems on short haul flights will start at a minimum EUR250 (USD$286). For long haul services that figure rises, in stages, to EUR600 (USD$686).


More at:

http://news.airwise.com/display/story.html?name=2003/07/1057229939.html