EU Parliament Keeps 3-Hour Rule for Flight Delay Pay

In a major plenary session on Wednesday, the European Parliament voted to uphold the current three-hour threshold for flight delay compensation. This decision is a key part of an update to the European Union’s airline passenger rights. However, it sets the stage for a lengthy legislative battle with various EU member states.

The European Commission originally proposed this package of measures over ten years ago. Nevertheless, months of intense negotiations are still expected. These discussions must conclude before the changes can be finalized and signed into law.

The Dispute Over Delay Thresholds

Currently, a significant rift exists between the Parliament and the 27 EU member countries. The primary disagreement involves exactly when passengers should receive money for late flights.

• Parliament’s Position: Lawmakers want to maintain the existing three-hour cutoff. Furthermore, they are advocating for higher compensation amounts, ranging between €300 and €600.
• Member States’ Position: Last year, EU countries agreed to push the threshold to four hours for short-haul flights. Additionally, they are seeking to cap the maximum compensation at €500.

Under the rules established in 2004, passengers can claim at least €250 for delays exceeding three hours. The specific amount usually increases based on the total distance of the flight.

New Rules for Carry-On Luggage

Beyond financial payouts, the Parliament backed several amendments to standardize cabin baggage. Specifically, one key proposal grants passengers the right to one free cabin bag. This bag would have a maximum weight of 7 kilograms (15 lbs).

While this move aims to create consistency across all airlines, there is a catch. The proposed 7kg limit is actually lower than the 10kg allowance currently offered by some budget carriers. Consequently, travelers may find the new “standard” more restrictive than certain existing airline policies.

Areas of Agreement

Despite the friction over delays and luggage, there is a clear consensus on other consumer protections. These include the following:

• Accompanying Seating: Ensuring an adult can sit next to a child or a person with limited mobility at no extra cost.
• Streamlined Claims: Creating simplified processes so passengers can exercise their rights more easily across the bloc.

As negotiations move forward, the final outcome will be crucial. It will determine the balance of power between airline flexibility and the rights of millions of European travelers.