Originally Posted by Greenpen

So many threads here ask about compensation. I don’t really understand why. Travel involves problems all the time but why do so many people seek compensation for their problems ?

Okay, I understand the contract issue but why don’t the complainants go with the flow and accept that jetting across the world has difficulties.

Originally Posted by Greenpen

On Tuesday evening I watched a TV programme about travel disruption. Various people were interviewed and one clear message was that the airlines did not meet their legal requirements when flights were delayed and cancelled. This also arises on this forum on an almost daily basis when people seek advice about compensation. BA so often deliberately rebuffs claims and tries to get the individuals to give up. We read so many reports of BA refusing or ignoring claims until legal action occurs, which they don't fight but simply pay up immediately before the actual court considers the case. But most people will probably give up before that point.

I think it is time that compensation became punitive to force airlines to meet their obligations. The EU/UK delay compensation should be doubled if not paid within a week, and doubled again if still outstanding in a fortnight and so on like the grains of rice on a chess board. Refusal to rebook flights or accommodation immediately could be sanctioned by the same system of escalating fines. Consequential losses should be met and again their payment enforced by punitive fines. BA, and others, clearly find it cheaper at the moment to cheat their passengers rather than meet obligations and something needs to be done.

I also wonder if the police could consider arresting airline staff who knowingly lie to passengers about their rights; seems like fraud to me when done with the intent of depriving people of what they are legally due.