The current trends suggest that there will be a moderate increase in claims in 2014 but with a much higher rate of conversion.
A report on a survey of 500 UK air travellers conducted for IRN Research during October 2014 found that air travellers are much more aware of EU flight delay compensation rules than previously publicised. Over the last decade the sector has consistently publicised that less than 10% of eligible flight delay and cancellation claimants are aware of passenger rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 which came into force in 2005. However, the survey found that air travellers are now much more aware rules.
Around 90% of air travellers travel with insurance and the majority of those insured know what is included in their travel insurance and that the first recourse for flight delay compensation is the airline. Just over half of air travellers are aware of the new legislation but four-in-ten with grounds to claim show a reluctance to do so.
The reluctance to claim is because the claims process is time consuming, difficult and many travellers cannot be bothered to claim. This is despite technology investment in web and app base systems by travel compensation specialists and the clarification of the rules by recent judgements making the compensation process easier.
Last week, the Supreme Court rejected appeals from two airlines in two flight delay compensation cases. Potentially, this ruling could further increase the awareness of passenger rights and open the way for thousands of more claims.
The current trends suggest that there will be a moderate increase in claims in 2014 but with a much higher rate of conversion. As the awareness grows that the claims process is easier this will stimulate more direct claims to airlines and slow down the growth that the travel claims specialists and lawyers have enjoyed to date.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
