As convenient and efficient as air travel is for transportation, it is not immune to disruptions like delays and denied boarding. These incidents can be frustrating, but as an air passenger, you must understand your rights under the EU regulation and know the next steps to take when faced with such situations. In this article, we’ll outline your rights when dealing with delayed flights or denied boarding.
Know the EU 261/2004 Regulation
The EU 261/2004 regulation protects the rights of air passengers when faced with flight disruptions. This includes flight delays, flight cancellations, or denied boarding. This ensures every inconvenienced air passenger is treated fairly.
Under this law, you may be entitled to monetary compensation of about €250 – €600, which depends on the flight distance covered. While a short-distance flight would attract €250, a medium distance would attract €400, and a long distance, €600. You also have the right to care, which includes complimentary food and drinks, access to a telephone and internet connection, and a hotel booking.
This law only applies if you meet the eligibility requirements, which include:
- You have a valid booking information.
- You have checked in for your flight at least 45 minutes before departure.
- The reason for the delay was within the airline’s control.
- The flight took off from an EU or UK airport or landed there, provided that the airline is headquartered in the EU or UK.
- You encountered these problems on a flight operated no more than 6 years ago.
Your Rights in the Event of a Delayed Flight
If your flight is delayed, the airline is obligated to keep you informed about the status of your flight. You have the right to know the reason for the delay, the estimated departure time, and any other relevant updates.
You are also entitled to monetary compensation if you arrive at your destination three or more hours later than the originally scheduled time. For a delay of more than 2 hours, you are entitled to food and drinks and hotel accommodation if your flight is delayed overnight.
Your Rights in the Event of Denied Boarding
Denied boarding happens when there are too many passengers due to overbooking or the airline does not let the passengers on the plane, despite the flight still taking place.
If you’re faced with this, you are still entitled to compensation between €250 and €600 and immediate provision of snacks and drinks by the airline. In addition, you can request a full ticket refund or get a replacement flight at no additional cost. This isn’t affected by your ticket price.
Bottom Line
No one wants to deal with flight disruptions but by knowing your rights, you can know the next best steps to take and ensure you are duly compensated. Gather all necessary documents and file a compensation claim via the airline’s website or direct email, based on what the airline prefers. You can also employ the services of an agency or an attorney for a more seamless process.
