Delayed air passengers to receive more compensation

Air passengers whose flights are delayed will receive more compensation following a recent ruling by EU authorities.

The European Court of Justice in Luxembourg announced new regulations that will see travellers receive up to €600 (£541) if their flight is delayed by more than three hours.

Airlines will only be able to refuse compensation if they can prove that the delay was caused by "extraordinary circumstances".

The new law also includes strict criteria covering the cancellation of flights, which airlines will have to adhere to before calling off any services.

Consumer groups have welcomed the ruling, with Which? Holiday saying that it will reduce the risk of passengers being delayed for hours without any information and receiving no compensation.

Spokeswoman Rochelle Turner said: "This judgement means that consumers will now be compensated properly for long and often frustrating delays, and not just when the airline takes the decision to cancel a flight."

FlyersRights.org described the new law as "historic" and said that it places the rights of consumers above the interests of airlines.

Posted by Mike, 23 November 2009 10:58

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