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Proposals Already Put Forward by the Commission for Implementation

Aviation industry presses for extended compensation deadline extension

Airlines presently need to provide monetary compensation to travelers for flight delays exceeding...
Airlines presently need to provide monetary compensation to travelers for flight delays exceeding the three-hour mark.

Shifting the Compensation Timeline: A Clash Between Airline Flexibility and Passenger Rights

Aircraft Industry Petitions for Extended Compensation Deadlines - Proposals Already Put Forward by the Commission for Implementation

In the ongoing argument for passenger rights in air travel, the German air transport lobby, BDL, proposes a shakeup - a prolonged weekend for airline compensation claims. Instead of the current three-hour threshold, BDL advocates for a change to five hours. This proposal aligns with a proposal from the EU Commission.

BDL CEO, Joachim Lang, argues that this extended window would significantly improve the chances of airlines supplying substitute aircraft and delivering passengers to their destination, thereby minimizing cancellations. According to Lang, "People aren't after a quick 250 euros; they want to get home as soon as they can."

Alas, airlines often refrain from renting and dispatching replacement aircraft due to extra penalty payments. Instead, passengers are rescheduled for later flights, Lang explains. "Passengers might find themselves waiting for a return flight up to two days," he adds.

Yet, consumer advocates and flight passenger portals have fiercely opposed the proposed extension in recent weeks. They predict that approximately 80% of affected passengers would forgo compensation if the deadlines are extended.

The new Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Stefanie Hubig (SPD), has sided against longer compensation deadlines, echoing the concerns of consumer advocates. The EU transport ministers will convene this Thursday to discuss the air passenger regulation. Any changes would require the approval of the EU Parliament.

  • Weekend
  • Compensation
  • Joachim Lang
  • Brussels
  • Berlin

Enrichment Data:

  • The Proposal: The BDL's proposal is a contentious issue, with arguments for and against the extended compensation deadlines:
  • Advantages of Extended Deadlines (BDL's Perspective):
    • Operational Flexibility: The extended deadline allows airlines more time to organize replacement aircraft and crews, potentially reducing cancellations by giving airlines more time to resolve issues without incurring additional fines.
    • Reduction in Flight Cancellations: The hope is that extending the deadline and giving airlines wiggle room would lead to a reduction in flight cancellations, benefiting passengers by minimizing disruptions.
  • Disadvantages of Extended Deadlines (Consumer Advocates and Passengers):
    • Loss of Compensation Rights: Extended deadlines could result in fewer passengers receiving compensation, which advocates view as essential compensation for the inconvenience caused by flight delays.
    • Weakening Passenger Rights: Opponents see the extension as a dilution of passenger rights, which they believe should be reinforced rather than weakened. The current regulations are essential in protecting travelers facing flight disruptions.
  • Government Opposition: The German Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Stefanie Hubig, has expressed opposition to the proposed extension, stressing the importance of protecting passenger rights.
  1. Joachim Lang, the CEO of the German air transport lobby BDL, suggests that an extended weekend for airline compensation claims could lead to operational flexibility, allowing airlines more time to organize replacement aircraft and minimize cancellations, as stated in the proposal.
  2. In contrast, consumer advocates argue that the extended compensation deadlines could result in the loss of compensation rights for passengers facing flight delays, viewing this as a weakening of passenger rights and a dilution of the current regulations designed to protect travelers facing flight disruptions.

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