566 amendments to proposed EC changes of air passenger rights

The European Parliament (EP) is working on the proposals of the European Commission (EC), which are about to change the existing rights of air passengers. We have reviewed the list of amendments proposed by MEPs, members of the Committee on Transport and Tourism. The observations confirm previously expressed opinions on proposals to the EC, for example during the debate in the EP on 16 September. The overwhelming majority of amendments are going towards greater protection of the air passenger rights. MEPs have made 566 amendments, which is not surprising, since several proposals the EC essentially limit existing rights of passengers. The full list of amendments can be found at two documents here: 1 and 2. The debate on the amendments is scheduled for November 4th and voting in the committee is planned on November 14th.

MEP amendments to the EC proposal generally in favour of passenger rights

We constantly monitor proposals, which refer to air passenger rights in Europe. Therefore, we have reviewed the latest draft opinion of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection for the Committee on Transport and Tourism of the European Parliament. The amendments are made to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights and Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 on air carrier liability in respect of the carriage of passengers and their baggage by air. We welcome those from the amendments made, which secure the passenger rights, enhance better service and balance the real power between key market stakeholders. The draft opinion is available, here.

MEP wishes to limit the waiting time in the event of a tarmac delay to two hours

Mr Hans-Peter Mayer, the Member of the European Parliament and the rapporteur of Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection has prepared a draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. In the opinion, dated 17 September 2013, the rapporteur proposes to limit the waiting time in the event of a tarmac delay to two hours. For journeys of up to 3 500 km and flights within the EU, in case of delay of at least three hours, the passenger should be entitled to a maximum compensation payment of €250 per flight. The second category is concerned with flights of 3 500 km or longer and for these, claims of up to €600 should be possible for delay of at least five hours. In the event of no-fault delays and cancellations, airlines should be required to bear the cost of a maximum of three nights at a hotel, with a ceiling of €150 per night. According to the rapporteur, the amount proposed by the Commission seems too small in the case of some destinations, particularly with regard to the need to spend the night near the airport because of a possible further flight. The link to a draft opinion is here.

MEPs for strengthening of air passengers' rights during debate of Transport Committee

Air passengers' rights must be tightened up to stop airlines abusing an "extraordinary circumstances" clause to avoid paying them compensation for delays or denied boarding, said MEPs during debate (16 September) of Transport Committee on a European Commission proposal to recast the rules. Rapporteur Georges Bach (EPP, LU) suggested that passengers should be entitled to €300 compensation after just 3 hours' delay on intra-European-flights. More information available in the press release here and video film here.