The European Parliament approved on 5
Febr. 2014 the draft
of a new Regulation on air passenger rights,
which will amend the existing
Regulation 261/2004. The Parliament’s draft is based on the revision
proposal of the European Commission, but adopts
consumer-friendlier positions.
According to the Parliament’s
press release, there are several points of agreement
with the Commission’s proposal, yet there are also some major differences.
Some of the Regulation’s main
amendment regard prohibition of the no-show fee, limitation of the air carrier
liability for providing accommodation and meals, change of liability limits for
delay or cancellation of flights, special rules for connecting flights,
passenger right to have their name changed on the ticket for free, prohibition
of hand-luggage fees etc.
Regulation 261/2004 and its
interpretation by the CJEU has been a source of frustration for air carriers,
whereas consumer groups think it point to the right direction, but more
measures are needed. As a result, the proposed amendments have been criticized
by both sides. Especially the air carriers warn that there will be a
significant rise of the ticket prices, if the proposed rules come into force.
Next step is the opinion of the
Council and the voting on the final text, which might take place before the
elections for the European Parliament.
For an overview of the provisions
currently in force in case of delay, annulation of flights and denied boarding,
see the
website of the European Commission.
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