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Money talks, as the saying goes. Therefore, in Europe, where a law (EC 261) authorizes compensation to air travelers who leave EU airports, stop in the EU or fly to the EU on an EU airline, the possibility of costly delays for airlines. Additionally, those same passengers can expect compensation for avoidable interruptions, including delays, cancellations, and overbooking. Even in cases where the airline is responsible for delays caused by staff shortages or technical failures, the traveler wins once again as compensation is offered in amounts up to $ 700.
The male passenger sits in his suitcase on the airfield runway and covers his head with his hands. Look … [+]
Not surprisingly, a 2020 survey by Yougov, A British international internet-based market research and data analysis firm claims that 91% of European travelers support EC 261. Furthermore, it was found that 90% of European travelers were willing to pay slightly more for the compensation coverage.
New data from APRA (Association of Passenger Rights Advocates) reveals a significantly higher number of delays and cancellations of long flights in the United States compared to Europe. This vast disparity can be attributed to the lack of strong air passenger rights in the United States compared to passenger protections in Europe.
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The Association of Passenger Rights Defenders was launched in 2017 to represent and promote the interest of air passenger rights. Founded by the world’s leading flight compensation companies, APRA’s mission is to ensure maximum protection for air passengers. APRA offers a combination of robust data, in-depth analysis and collective experience, to inform policy makers and promote the interest of European air passengers.
APRA data reveals that from 2017 to 2019, more than 100,000 flights were delayed three hours or more in the EU. While that number is undoubtedly high, during the same period, more than 300,000 flights were delayed more than three hours in the United States. The data also shows that more than 240,000 flights were canceled in the EU, while in the US. USA More than 450,000 flights were canceled.
These findings are especially troubling when one peeks out from behind rubber masks and gloves, standard equipment in the covid-19 era. When the United States, and eventually its airports, return to their old frenetic energies, as our resilience has happened after past crises, there will be inevitable delays.
Young traveler with a face mask using self check-in at the airport. Concept for corona virus … [+]
A New York Times Article dated March 15, 2020, which seems like a long time ago, reported that the delays lasted up to seven hours at some US airports. USA since the inspection process was inconsistent and understaffed. Whereas, at European airports, the process was much more fluid.
As a defense organization, APRA is also determined to inform travelers through its website of the lesser known rights of EC 261:
- Right to care: If air passengers are trapped waiting for the airline to reroute them, they are entitled to the necessary assistance from the airline, depending on the situation. For example, if your flight cancellation leaves you stuck waiting at the airport for more than two hours, the carrier must provide you with meals and refreshments during the delay. They must also offer them access to communications as well as a hotel room and transportation to and from the airport if their disruption requires overnight accommodation.
- Upgrade and Downgrade: If air passengers are offered an alternate flight and are fortunate to be placed in a higher class than the one they booked, the carrier cannot charge them any additional fees. On the other hand, if the class of the alternative flight is lower, they can get a refund
- Obligation to inform passengers about flight interruption compensation: travelers have the right to be informed about the content of EC 261, however, airlines do not sufficiently inform them of their passenger rights, although all airlines must show information about the rights of passengers at their check-in counters at each airport where they operate.
Attractive young Asian woman smiles while using the smartphone during a commercial flight
`Many airlines will not publicly announce guidelines for passenger compensation. After the coronavirus crisis, there will be fewer airlines to choose from among consumers. Ticket prices will rise and air passengers will be at the mercy of a small group of airlines that will dictate the conditions and treatment of passengers. In the United States, stricter laws and protections are needed for passengers to ensure that air travelers’ rights to timely flights are respected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
