Schiphol and Eindhoven airports in the Netherlands are offering an unusual form of apology to passengers who missed flights this summer because of long in-airport delays—cash to cover extra costs not being paid by airlines or insurance.
Long lines at passport control and security, as well as waiting for baggage to recheck on next flights have kept hundreds, possibly thousands of people from making their flights, even if they arrived at the airport in plenty of time.
The compensation, which applies to people who missed flights because of congestion between April 23 and August 11, include such items as hotel nights at destination paid for but not used because of the delay. So far, the airport managers say, about 1,500 claims have been filed, and more are expected by the September 30 deadline.
