German minister: We will not support worsening air passenger rights
According to consumer organisations, this would mean giving up around 80 per cent of the compensation currently paid.
The European Commission argued back in 2013 that three hours is too short a time for airlines to organise spare parts or a replacement aircraft. The current rules would therefore encourage carriers to carry out repairs (more time) or cancel flights – which is not in the interests of passengers.
Airline passenger rights are not a luxuryAnother significant weakness of the current regulations is the lack of a precise definition of "extraordinary circumstances", which has already had consequences in the past in the form of numerous court proceedings and divergent rulings. As a result, this has led to constant changes in the interpretation of the regulations. In connection with this, the European Union plans to more precisely define the situations in which compensation is not due. According to reports, strikes, crew illnesses and technical problems are also to be included in this category.
\n
\n \"Rzeczpospolita\" the most opinion-forming<\> press title<\>\n <\>\n <\>\n \n
- Consumer rights are not a luxury that can be given up in difficult economic times (apparently referring to the situation in Germany - ed.) - Hubig emphasizes. She announced that she will strive to maintain the principle of granting compensation from a three-hour delay. - Germany cannot support any regulation in Brussels that unilaterally takes into account the interests of airlines - she emphasizes.
In addition to the rules on compensation for delayed and canceled flights, there is also disagreement over the business model of some carriers, which charge additional fees for larger hand luggage, the portal reminds.
