Air travel can be stressful, especially over a long distance or to an unfamiliar location, and delays and flight cancellations will make it a more stressful experience. This is why the EU regulation on flights was made to protect travellers in events of cancellation, delays, or overbooking.
Being aware of these regulations as a traveller within or outside the EU is key to claiming your rights. Here’s a breakdown of EU Regulation on flights and everything you need to know to stay protected.
EU Regulations on Flight
You can claim compensation and rights for a delayed or cancelled flight, as provided under the EU regulation. However, there are some caveats to this, which include:
- First, if you were informed more than 14 days earlier that your flight would be cancelled or delayed, you will not be entitled to any compensation, since prior notice has been given.
- If the reason for the cancellation is beyond the airline’s control such as bad weather, political distress, security reasons, etc. no compensation will be provided for the delay.
- Your rights extend beyond monetary compensation, as you can decide to take an alternative flight in the event of a cancelled flight.
- You also have the right to compensation if you are denied boarding due to overbooking, if you are upgraded or downgraded, if you missed your connecting flight, or if your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed.
Your Rights if Your Flight is Cancelled or Delayed
Here are the rights you have as a traveller if your flight gets cancelled or delayed within the EU:
- Compensation: This refers to the monetary right to be claimed, based on how far the flight is and the price of the flight ticket. This ranges from £220 to £520 for each passenger.
- Care and assistance: You have the right to care during the waiting period. This includes drinks, meals or snacks, two free phone calls, emails, faxes, etc. Also, if the delay goes beyond a day, you will be provided accommodation and transportation to and from the accommodation and the airport.
- Reimbursement of ticket cost: You have the right to get a full refund of your ticket price, in a case where the plane is overbooked. In another case, you can ask for an alternative flight, ensuring you get to your destination.
- Compensation for missing connecting flights: If you miss your connecting flight and suffer up to 3 hours delay at your last destination, you are entitled to compensation, if both flights are in the same booking.
How to Claim Your Rights
Take the following steps to claim your compensation if your flight gets cancelled or delayed within the EU:
- Find out the cause of the delay to know if you can claim any compensation
- Submit all relevant documents, receipts, booking tickets, etc. to validate your claim and get your compensation.
- File a complaint at the airline’s front desk or fill out relevant forms on their website for cancelled or delayed flights
- Stay in touch to get your compensation, or involve a travel agency to fast-track the process.
Conclusion
The EU regulation protects passengers’ rights in the event of flight disruptions, ensuring they are not stranded or at the mercy of the airline. This ensures the airline takes responsibility for its actions and keeps them accountable.
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