Online Resource for EU Passengers' Rights: A Novel Digital Initiative Unveiled

The European Union (EU) has a Flight Compensation Regulation in place to protect travelers, ensuring they receive appropriate care in case of flight cancellations or delays. Here's a breakdown of the key points regarding this regulation.

The regulation applies to flights departing from an airport within the EU, regardless of the airline, as well as flights to the EU with European airlines. If a flight is cancelled, airlines must either refund the full ticket price or offer alternative transportation to the destination.

From a two-hour delay at departure, travelers are entitled to care services, including meals, drinks, hotel accommodation, and transfer if the connecting flight is the next day. If a flight arrives at its destination at least three hours late, passengers may claim a payment of between €250 and €600, depending on the distance of the flight.

However, passengers on flights operated by aircraft with fewer than 10 seats or a maximum total payload of 800 kg are excluded from the rights under the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation. Additionally, no compensation is due in case of extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather or volcanic eruptions.

A reform of the Flight Compensation Regulation is currently being negotiated between the European Parliament and the Council. The final version of the reformed regulation is not expected before autumn 2025, with the entry into force not expected before 2027.

In the meantime, travelers can use the digital tool developed by the European Consumer Centre Germany (ECC Germany) to check their rights under the regulation. The tool allows individual claims to be determined online, with users selecting the respective problem and answering targeted questions to receive an overview of their rights.

If an agreement cannot be reached with ECC Germany, the claim can be enforced through the simplified European small claims procedure. Those who cannot reach an agreement with the airline can also contact ECC Germany free of charge.

It's worth noting that the network of European Consumer Centres (ECC-Net) has expressed clear criticism of the planned changes to the Flight Compensation Regulation, with concerns about a potential weakening of consumer protection, especially regarding compensation payments.

The flight rights tool from ECC Germany is available in English, making it accessible to travelers from around the world. For more information or assistance, travelers can visit the ECC Germany website or contact their local European Consumer Centre.

Online Resource for EU Passengers' Rights: A Novel Digital Initiative Unveiled