June 9, 2026, 10:35 am | Read time: 3 minutes
If a flight is canceled or significantly delayed, compensation is available depending on the distance. In the future, this process might change. As part of the EU passenger rights reform, a flat-rate compensation is now being discussed.
Negotiations within the EU for a reform of passenger rights have recently stalled. Germany and France have now proposed a compromise. This suggests a flat-rate compensation of 250 euros for passengers after more than three hours of delay. This is reported by the “FAZ.” It also proposes to simplify the reimbursement process by providing passengers with a link to a reimbursement form. This regulation would have both advantages and disadvantages for passengers.
Passengers Benefit (Not)
If a short-haul flight is delayed by more than three hours, the current compensation is 250 euros. For long-haul flights, up to 600 euros is possible. This is significantly more than the proposed flat-rate 250 euros. Clearly a disadvantage for passengers.
On the other hand, it also has an advantage, especially if the flat-rate compensation includes a link to a reimbursement form. Asserting one’s claims would then be significantly easier, and presumably, more people would do it.
Also interesting: In which cases you can get compensation for a missed connecting flight
Jan Bartholl, a travel law attorney, explains in an interview with TRAVELBOOK that, in his view, both sides, airlines and passengers, are quite well served with the status quo. Therefore, he cannot understand why such a good system, which has now become established, must necessarily be changed. He does not see it as necessary.
However, he can fundamentally understand the arguments of the airlines that complain about the regulation. In German law, it is otherwise not common to be awarded a monetary claim regardless of damage. In his experience, only a fraction of passengers actually claim compensation.
Positions Are Hardened
Whether the flat-rate 250-euro compensation for flight delays will be implemented is still unclear. The European Commission and the Council of Ministers currently want to restrict passengers’ rights to relieve airlines. For example, compensation would only be available after a delay of four hours. According to European consumer advocates, about 60 percent of passengers who are currently eligible could lose their claim, reports the “tagesschau.”
The European Parliament, on the other hand, wants to strengthen passenger rights, maintain the current conditions, and even slightly increase compensation. An agreement is expected by June 15. If not, the reform is considered failed. Bartholl does not expect the new regulations to pass.