Improved compensation for air travellers

AIR passengers who have flights delayed or cancelled can claim compensation of up to 600 under laws being drawn up by the EU.

Under the regulations, which will be introduced later this year, on-the-spot compensation will be almost doubled. Passengers will also have a legal right to food and accommodation, or a replacement flight.

Current levels of compensation, set in 1991, include €150 for short flights and €300 for distances up to 3,500km. However, from this year passengers can claim 600 for flights of more than 3,500km, €400 for flights of 1,500km to 3,500km €250 for short flights.