Betsy

From a travel newsletter: The EU has adopted new rules that guarantee compensation for passengers who are bumped or whose flights are delayed or cancelled. If you're flying to Europe, this may be of interest to you. Happy travels!

http://www.tripso.com/archives/2005/...s_new_pas.html

LoveItaly

Betsy, from what I read in the article in the International Herald Tribune this applies only to European owned airlines. So if one travels on a US owned airlines the rules do not apply.

It was interesting to me though as I always fly on KLM to Italy.

Betsy

LoveItaly, there was an article in our local paper from the NYT about these rights. It says "Although European carriers will be the most affected, analysts believe the US and international airlines that depart from EU airports would have to comply with the regulations too." Guess we'll have to wait for affected Fodorites to report in. But if you're traveling to the EU, be aware that you may have some options if you are delayed or cancelled.

ParadiseLost

If I was on this flight http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...499342,00.html I think I would have rather had the delay with no compensation.
I know that they could have landed safely with just 2 engines but I just like *all* the engines on my flight working .
Regards, Walter

LoveItaly

I have read that the EU law is going to be challenged in court. And comments have been made that this new law could cause safety problems, what with all the airlines financial problems.

Concerns have been made that airlines will fly in weather when they normally wouldn't have in the past, and perhaps even mechanical problems will not be looked at as closly.

I don't know about this as if there was an airline crash and the cause was due to not taking proper safety precautions the claims that would be paid out would be substainal. That would not be a financial savings.

IMHO I feel that flight delays or cancellations due to weather or mechanical problems should be considered something that is beyond the airlines controls, unless the airline has not maintained their fleet properly.

I am sure I am not the only one that values safety over monetary consideration.

It will be interesting to see if this law remains in force.

LoveItaly

Hi Betsy, I just saw your last post, don't know how I missed it.

That is interesting that US airlines may be required to abide by the EU law when flying from Europe.

The problems that I have always had has not been in Europe (well except when the Italians go on strike but that is another whole story).

I always have problems flying up and down the west coast of the US. I cannot remember the last flight I took that did not have delays that were uncalled for or complete cancellation of flights (United) as they did not have "enough" passengers for the flight. One reason I stopped flying United.

Well Betsy it will be intersting to see how this all comes out in the wash.
Thanks for all your information.

Spygirl

The regulation in question is called EU Reg. 261, and I recently attended a conference where this reg. was discussed. I also briefly discussed the reg. with U.S. transportation officials, to see how it would be compatible with DOT regs. on denied boarding.

My first scenario went like this: suppose I bought a ticket on US Air PHL-FCO, and I am denied boarding in FCO. Would US DOT regs (specifically 14 CFR Part 250-oversales) or EU reg. 261 apply?

My second scenario had to do with codeshares. Say you bought a ticket EWR-FRA-VCE on UAL's website-but the flights are operated by Lufthansa, and you get bumped in FRA or VCE-would US or EU rules apply? I was advised that as to both scenarios, US rules would NOT apply-as long as the flight originates in the EU, no matter if it is a US carrier or EU carrier, then EU reg. 261 would control-DOT reg. Part 250 applies only to originating flights in the US, both domestic and foreign.

It is interesting to note, however, that EU Reg. 261 on compensation for denied boarding applies to pax departing from an EU country OR a third country to an EU airport-meaning if you were denied boarding in EWR on that same EWR-FRA-VCE routing-or any other EU carrier (such as Air France or BA) at a US point of departure, then the EU reg's requirements for compensation should apply as well, UNLESS the pax already received benefits or compensation and were given assistance in the third country.

Since the EU reg. just went into effect on 17 Feb., it remains to be seen how it will work in practice, and what challenges to its applicability will arise from its enforcement.



If you care to slog through the information regarding the EU's new Reg. 261 on the EU website-here it is:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/...itments_en.htm

Betsy

LOL, Spygirl. Thanks for your comments. Slogging through your info was difficult enough. Don't think I'll access the URL, though I appreciate your posting it. I'll just hope for smooth sailing with no bumps, delays, or cancellations. Wonder how airline personnel would interpret the new regulations if a passenger asked for compensation? The mind boggles....

LoveItaly

Thank you spygirl, I did have to read it three times but now I THINK I understand, or as much as I am going to to tonight.

Will look at the website you gave tomorrow when I am feeling a little sharper. Again, thanks for taking the time to post the info. Best regards.