Trend on Travel: EU proposals on passenger rights But part of me remains pessimistic. The issue as always with this kind of legislation is that it means nothing if it is not properly enforced. As the current rules on compensation have shown airlines have become past masters in the battle to avoid meeting their obligations. We at Telegraph Travel will keep a wary eye on developments. Key proposals on passenger rights Reasons for delay The definition of "exceptional circumstances," which allow airlines to avoid compensation for delay and cancellation, to be clearer: mechanical failures will not count; natural disasters and traffic control strikes will. But you still have the right to be given accommodation if delayed overnight, whatever the cause (see below). Overnight accommodation Liability to accommodate passengers stranded by severe weather or natural disasters such as the ash cloud, will be limited to a maximum of three nights. Compensation entitlement reduced You need to suffer a longer delay before you get compensation (amounts of compensation vary between £200 and £480): at least five hours (currently stands at three) on any flight within the EU or international flight shorter than 3,500km, nine hours up to 6,000km and after 12 hours for longer journeys. Re-routing Passengers to be re-routed with rival airlines if a flight is delayed for more than 12 hours and the original airline cannot provide a flight. Information Airlines must inform passengers of the reason for a delay no longer than 30 minutes after the scheduled departure time. Name corrections Airlines will no longer be able to charge for correcting misspelt names on tickets if the change is made at least 48 hours before departure. Baggage Passengers must be informed of the exact baggage allowances and of any additional charges for baggage at the time of booking and at the airport. Tarmac delays If you board a plane which is then delayed on the tarmac for more than five hours, you will have the right to demand to be let off. If the tarmac delay is more than an hour, the airline must provide air conditioning, use of toilets and water. Complaints procedures Airlines must provide clear complaint-handling procedures, acknowledge complaints within one week, and reply formally within two months. Arbitration There will be a new right to an out-of-court dispute resolution service.