Originally Posted by
Often1
DE could have issued the EUR 600 on the spot to OP's bank account and the value of the ticket segment as soon as the rate desk could run it and the duty of care via a voucher. But, why?
DE won't be particularly the worse for the wear after OP files his claim and as to the many other pax on the flight who likely never file a claim and are happy with an extra night at a hotel which DE purchases in bulk for a pittance, there is no downside.
Because that's their obligation under the current law.
I'm constantly baffled by comments along the lines "but why would company X do Y?", when Y is something that's _literally_ the law.