The cutbacks in compensation and baggage rights for European air passengers that had been approved by the European Council in June have hit a roadblock in the European Parliament, where the members of the Transport Committee voted almost unanimously to reject them.
The changes, which would have changed both the amounts and the delay time, generated a lot of pushback from consumer groups despite support from airline groups. The committee did, however, carve out some exceptions: natural disasters, weather conditions and unforeseen labor disputes by workers other than the airlines’ own staffs.
The committee also pushed for a ban on check-in fees and continuing the right to paper boarding passes (both aimed at Ryanair) and guarantees for families to be seated together without extra charge.
Negotiations between the Council and parliament members will begin this week on finding a position that can be adopted.
Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay
