Rule changes for airlines planned

Airlines look likely to face a crackdown on current excuses for failing to pay delay or cancellation compensation under a consumer rules shake up planned by the EU. They will find it more difficult to claim hold ups have been the result of "extraordinary circumstances" beyond their control. Under the current rule there has been much argument over which circumstances qualify as valid reasons not to pay out. Soon they will be restricted to a l,ist of specific events - including severe weather, terrorism and strikes unrelated to their operations, Other changes on the horizon: airlines will have to include cabin bags in the advertised fare; they will not be allowed to deny boarding to a passenger missing an outbound flight but turning up for the flight home.; and airlines will not be able to levy penalties on travellers making minor booking mistakes - such a name misspelling - which need correcting at check in. The proposed new regulation says “reasonable corrections of booking errors should be provided free of charge provided they do not imply a change of times, date, itinerary or passenger”. Though these are EU rules the UK is likely to continue to adhere to them. However, it looks unlikely they will come into force until late 2027.