EU261—The European air passenger rights rules - An industry perspective.

I thought it was an interesting perspective that made some good points. Thank you for sharing, Mr. E.

IATA's social media team: How much whining do you want in this 500 word blog post?

IATA: Yes

Slate, an informed opinion, no matter which side it falls on, is always more rational than blind reaction.

They keep blathering about "competitiveness". Does this mean that Foreign owned airlines don't have to follow these rules?

Then, obvious solution.

Seems to bring up some fair talking points.

What needs to be kept in mind is all the money paid out as compensation is coming from fare revenues. ( the ticket price)

If airlines are not profitable, they go out of business. Fewer airlines means less competition, so less incentive to keep prices down.

Be careful what you wish for.

"If airlines are not profitable, they go out of business."

No.

If they are not profitable they raise prices, cancel routes, etc. Until they are. They become more expensive to use. As long as it hits them all there is no "competitive" issue.

What we have seen is a race to the bottom to become as cheap as possible. Because that's what people will pay for, as long as there's a difference. And unless there's some competitive factor I'm not seeing what they are complaining about is not being able to be as cheap as they want to be.

Don't you all know corporations are people. Holding their feet to the fire burns these poor people. The EU should be more empathetic.

How does EU261 impact the average traveler? No idea. I would have to have a doctorate on the subject to figure it out.

Does airline travel have its flaws? Sure, what doesn’t.

But I do know when compared to 50 years ago, air travel is:

• safer,
• less expensive by more than half and therefore available to more people, and
• connected to more destinations.
• This while providing the option for the same, or greater, comfort and amenities now as 50 years ago (and still at a better price than 50 years ago).

So I am satisfied.

How does EU261 impact the average traveler? No idea. I would have to have a doctorate on the subject to figure it out.

I'm sure that's not true. You're an intelligent man. Which aspects of it do you find confusing? Maybe some here can help you understand it better without the academic study.