> potentially catastrophic consequences of the cabin pressure system failing at cruising altitude, I considered that everyone on the plane had been very lucky.

> potentially catastrophic consequences of the cabin pressure system failing at cruising altitude, I considered that everyone on the plane had been very lucky. The cabin pressurization system failing at cruising altitude is one of the more common types of aircraft incidents. That's why planes are equipped with systems to handle it. While a catastrophic outcome is not impossible, it is exceedingly unlikely. As to the compensation issue, airlines should be required to pay out the compensation automatically, with 3x the compensation automatically due as a penalty if the customer has to make them pay through the courts. This would remove the incentive to make it hard for customers to claim the compensation. Given that I by now unfortunately have a decent understanding of the compensation rules, if I have a claim that I'm confident about and the airline doesn't pay immediately, I'll take it straight to court. If in a jurisdiction where they have to pay the lawyer fees, I'll have a regular lawyer handle it - no need to let an agency take 30% if you know you'll win and a lawyer can make some money (driving up the costs of misbehavior for the airline). For consumer lawsuits you can often sue the airline at your local court, which isn't overloaded.