AIR passengers stand to get better compensation for delayed and cancelled flights from today.

Air passenger groups generally welcomed the new European Union regulations which, they say, will force all airlines to pay out for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

But the new rules have also been described as unfair and confusing.

Low-fare airlines are particularly angry about the regulations, which could see passengers getting more than £400 compensation if a long-haul flight is cancelled or has been overbooked.

While the European Commission has said the regulations will improve airline service, budget airline easyJet stated that the new legislation was "bad" and would damage the industry.

The UK Government, which opposed the original EC proposals, said it was mindful of the concerns of airlines, particularly the no-frills carriers.

The EC also faces two legal challenges to its package. They are from the International Air Transport Association and the European Low-fare Airlines Association.

The rules apply to all flights, including charters, operated by European airlines from or to a European airport and to any flight departing from the EU.

But there is confusion about what is a delay. Airlines are exempt if the cancellation is caused by unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances.