Deadlock in the EU over compensation for delayed flights
Brussels – On Wednesday, the European Parliament decided by a large majority – 632 votes to 15 – to stick to its position that compensation for air passengers should be paid already after delays of three hours. The EU countries are just as stubborn in insisting on preferring four to six hours before the airlines have to pay.
Thus, the issue will with the greatest probability move on to a so-called conciliation committee later this year – a highly unusual process in the EU context.
The Parliament is also fighting for the right to bring on board free of charge both a small backpack or laptop bag and one piece of hand luggage of up to seven kilos.
“Today, airlines make it harder for passengers to get their money back. This is unacceptable,” writes Swedish member Johan Danielsson (Social Democrats) in a press release.
(21 January)
