Navigating flight cancellations or delays can be frustrating, but passengers have rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 to seek compensation and assistance from airlines. This regulation ensures that travelers are fairly compensated for inconveniences caused by flight disruptions. Whether your flight is cancelled at short notice or delayed significantly, knowing your entitlements can make a big difference in how you handle the situation and the outcome you can expect.
Flight Compensation Rights in the EU:
- Entitlements: Passengers have rights to compensation if their flight is cancelled or delayed significantly.
- Regulation: EU Regulation 261/2004 mandates airlines to provide compensation and care during flight disruptions.
- Eligibility: Applies to flights within the EU, departing from the EU, or arriving in the EU on an EU carrier.
- Compensation: Ranges from €250 for cancelled flights with a distance of 1,500 kilometers or less, to €600 for cancelled flights exceeding 3,500 kilometers.
- Cancellation Compensation: Passengers can choose between reimbursement, re-routing, or return, with compensation due if notified less than 14 days before departure.
- Denied Compensation: Extraordinary circumstances like weather or strikes may exempt airlines from compensation obligations.
- Assistance: Passengers are entitled to meals, refreshments, and accommodation for significant delays.
- Delayed Flight Compensation: Passengers are entitled to compensation under these circumstances:
- If you miss your connecting flight originating from an EU member state, resulting in a delay of three hours or more at your final destination.
- If you accept a flight departing from another airport than originally scheduled, and it arrives late.
- If you travel from a non-EU country to an EU country with connecting flights operated by EU airlines, and experience a significant delay upon arrival at your final destination.
- Claiming Compensation: To claim compensation:
- Fill out a complaint form with the airline, detailing your flight disruption and personal information.
- Await the airline's response. If unsatisfied, escalate your complaint to the National Enforcement Body or use alternative dispute resolution methods.
- EU nationals can utilize the Alternative Dispute Resolution Entity or Online Dispute Resolution platform if needed.
- As a last resort, consider the European Small Claims procedure if compensation is unfairly denied by the airline.
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