[JURIST] New rules on passenger rights taking effect Thursday in the European Union [official website] will require airlines to compensate travellers for cancellations, delays, and denial of seats, even when the cause is an event normally considered outside the control of the airline, like bad weather conditions. The new legislation [official text], the strictest in the world, places the burden of proof on airlines if they wish to avoid payment. European air carriers have agreed to abide by the legislation, but are challenging certain portions in the European Court of Justice [official website], though a decision isn't expected there for several months. View the EU air passenger rights website. The International Herald Tribune has more.