EU council of ministers have voted to approve legislation forcing European airlines to pay increased compensation to any passenger they ”bumped”. It will enter into force 12 months from the date of its publication in the Official Journal, expected to take place in the next few weeks. European Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio has been the force behind the move. Among EU governments, the Irish and British delegations voted against the bill while Germany abstained. The bill sets compensation at E250 for flights of less than 1,500 km, E400 for those between 1,500 and 3,000 km and E600 for all others. Passengers will also be entitled to free food and drink and access to a phone. The European Commission has said it will also draw up new rules for ferry operators and train companies.
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