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Proposals have already been put forth by the Commission on this matter.

Aircraft industry advocates call for extended timeframes for financial reimbursements

,   and  Administrator
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Airline passengers are entitled to financial reimbursement if flights are delayed by three hours or...
Airline passengers are entitled to financial reimbursement if flights are delayed by three hours or more.

Giving Airlines More Wiggle Room: The Air Transport Lobby Proposes Extended Compensation Deadlines

Aircraft industry advocates push for extended timelines on compensation payouts - Proposals have already been put forth by the Commission on this matter.

In the ongoing discussion about European air traveler rights, the German aviation lobby, BDL, is advocating for more lenient compensation timelines. Passengers should only be eligible for payments after five hours rather than the current three, according to the association.

This extended timeframe, as per BDL CEO Joachim Lang, would enable airlines to offer replacement aircraft more frequently, thereby reducing disruptions. "People aren't clamoring for 250 euros," said Lang, "they want to get home as soon as possible."

Under the present situation, airlines often decline sending replacement aircraft accompanied by crew due to additional financial penalties. Instead, passengers may have to wait for later flights, potentially days for their return journey, according to Lang.

The proposed change has sparked opposition from consumer advocates and flight passenger portals in recent weeks. They estimate that around 80 percent of affected passengers might no longer receive compensation under this new policy.

New Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Stefanie Hubig (SPD), has expressed her disapproval of longer compensation deadlines. The air passenger regulation is on the agenda for EU transport ministers this Thursday. Any amendments would also require approval from the EU Parliament.

Deadline

  • Extended compensation deadlines proposal for European air passengers
  • Current three-hour deadline for compensation eligibility

Compensation

  • Financial remuneration for flight disruptions, delays, or cancellations

Joachim Lang

  • CEO of the German air transport lobby BDL

Brussels

  • EU Commission's location where the proposed extension was supported

Berlin

  • Location of BDL, the lobby advocating for the extended compensation deadlines
  1. The BDL, in its community policy, has proposed extending the current three-hour deadline for compensation eligibility, arguing that this would allow airlines to provide more frequent replacement aircraft, thereby potentially improving the lifestyle of travelers.
  2. Despite support for the extended compensation deadlines proposal in Brussels, the new policy has faced opposition in Berlin, particularly from consumer advocates and flight passenger portals, who caution that the change could result in a significant reduction in financial compensation for affected passengers in their business dealings.

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