The results of a recent international survey by AirHelp shed light on an issue that affects millions of passengers but is known in detail to only a few: the rights of passengers in the event of flight delays, cancellations, and overbookings. While many know, dass Although there are passenger rights, most people lack concrete knowledge about like and when These can be asserted. Particularly controversial: At the same time, the European Union is planning a reform that could significantly weaken protection for travelers – much to the displeasure of many passengers.
The survey, which included 3.100 people from Europe, Great Britain, the United States, and Brazil, shows that while around 81 percent of European and 78 percent of British passengers are generally aware of the existence of passenger rights, only a minority know exactly what they entail. In a test on the application of these rights, only 24 percent of European passengers gave correct answers. German passengers performed slightly above the European average at 27 percent, while France performed particularly poorly with just 18 percent. The results are even more serious in Brazil and the USA, where only nine and seven percent of participants, respectively, were able to provide correct information.
In international comparison, German passengers are not only the best informed, but also the most committed to enforcing their rights. While in Europe as a whole, around half of those affected have applied for compensation, the rate in Germany is significantly higher at 68 percent. In Great Britain, the figure is 44 percent, in Brazil 26 percent, and in the USA just 20 percent. This suggests that the German public has developed a greater awareness of their rights – possibly due to more intensive media education and legal support services.
Satisfaction and criticism: A divided opinion
In Germany, the situation regarding passenger rights is mixed: 46 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with the current legal situation, but just as many call for improvements. Particularly striking: one in five German passengers would like to see their rights significantly strengthened. The situation is similar in the United Kingdom.
In other parts of Europe, however, dissatisfaction is greater: Only 33 percent of Irish and French passengers consider existing protections sufficient, while in Portugal the figure is just 23 percent and in Spain only 20 percent. In the USA, trust in local passenger rights is particularly low – only XNUMX percent of respondents consider the existing regulations adequate.
Planned EU reform meets with resistance
While two-thirds of respondents worldwide want their rights strengthened, the EU Commission is planning the opposite. A new legislative proposal stipulates that passengers will only be entitled to compensation after a delay of five, nine, or twelve hours – depending on the flight distance. Currently, the waiting period is three hours.
This would de facto mean that a large proportion of currently reimbursable cases would remain without compensation in the future. According to the survey, only 16 percent of respondents consider the planned new regulation fair. One-third of participants consider the current three-hour limit to be appropriate, while another third even prefer a limit of two hours or less.
Willingness to provide for oneself is increasing
Given the uncertainty surrounding political developments, many passengers are willing to pay for guaranteed services themselves. Worldwide, 79 percent of respondents stated they would be willing to pay a premium if it would ensure guaranteed compensation in the event of serious flight disruptions. In Germany, this figure rises to 50 percent, who would invest an additional ten to twenty euros or more per ticket. Similar figures are also found in Brazil and the USA, where 47 percent of passengers would be willing to pay more than ten dollars extra.
A key problem remains the lack of knowledge about specific rights, deadlines, and procedures. Many passengers don't know who to contact, what exactly they are entitled to, and how to enforce their claims. While platforms like AirHelp exist to provide support, widespread information is scarce. This poses a significant hurdle, especially for less internet-savvy or older travelers.
Know your rights, secure your rights
The AirHelp study clearly demonstrates the urgent need for comprehensive information and effective enforcement of existing rights. While many passengers fundamentally support their rights and are even willing to pay to ensure they are protected, the European Union's current reform proposal threatens this protection. Without a clear signal from politicians and society, there is a risk of weakening consumer interests in air travel – with unclear consequences for millions of travelers inside and outside Europe.
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