Compensation for being bumped-off flights

12.00.00am GMT Thu 18th Dec 2003

Passengers delayed or bumped off flights will now have a right to compensation, following a vote in the European Parliament today.

Bill Newton Dunn, Lib Dem East Midlands Euro MP, welcomed the outcome. Speaking after the vote, he said:

Holidaymakers stranded in airports will find life greatly improved thanks to this new EU law

"Tens of thousands of air travellers in the EU face delays or are denied boarding as a result of overbooking. Under the new law, passengers bumped off flights will receive compensation of up to €600 (£420), depending on the length of the flight. If a flight is delayed by five hours or more, passengers must be offered a choice of full reimbursement or a return flight. Meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation, transport to and from the hotel, and two free telephone calls must be provided if necessary.

"This is excellent news for anyone in the East Midlands planning to travel abroad by plane. Waiting in airports for hours on end is a miserable and frustrating experience. Holidays and business trips can be ruined. This new law will help alleviate the distress caused and will provide an incentive to airlines to avoid delays and overbooking in the future."

The vote today was the European Parliament's third and final reading. The new law is due to enter into force in early 2005. The Commission has also been asked to make proposals to extend passenger protection measures to other modes of transport.

ENDS