The European Union is revising its air passenger rights regulations, which were originally established in 2004 under Regulation 261. This regulation required airlines to provide compensation for short-notice cancellations and overbooking, as well as care for passengers during disruptions, including meals and accommodation. Over the years, court rulings and claims firms have complicated the application of these rules, and airlines have often ignored them without consequence.
The new proposals aim to clarify and amend these regulations. Compensation amounts will be adjusted, with some reductions for longer flights, and the delay time before compensation is required will increase. Airlines will need to provide passengers with pre-filled forms to facilitate compensation claims. The definition of “extraordinary circumstances,” which exempts airlines from compensation, will be more clearly defined, and the duty of care will be limited to three nights of accommodation. Additionally, the rules will prevent the cancellation of an entire itinerary if a passenger misses an outbound flight.
The UK may need to align with these changes to avoid inconsistencies, especially on routes operated by both EU and UK-registered aircraft, like those of easyJet.
