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The EU regulation on flights protects the rights of air passengers against flight disruptions. This includes flight delays, flight cancellations, missed connecting flights, and denied boarding due to overbooking. As the world evolves, there’s the need for more travel, which means more flights, resulting in more flight disruptions. You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about flight disruptions.
What causes flight disruptions?
There are several reasons why your flight could get disrupted, whether it is via a delay or cancellation. Some of these reasons include adverse weather conditions, tight flight schedules, air traffic control restrictions, bird strikes, pilot unfit to fly, unavailability of aircrew, airport staff strikes, security threats, mechanical issues, etc. However, this can be either within the airline’s control or due to extraordinary circumstances, in which case the airline would not be held responsible. Whichever the case might be, you are within your rights to request to know the reason for the flight disruption.
Do I have any rights when my flight is disrupted?
Yes, you do have rights under European law. This is the EU 261/2004 regulation, also known as the flight compensation regulation. If your flight is taking off from an EU member state or landing in one, with a European airline, this law protects you.
You are entitled to €250 – €600 in compensation, free meals and drinks, and a hotel booking for overnight delays. This applies if you were not informed of the flight disruption at least 14 days before the scheduled departure date. If it’s a flight delay, you must have checked in at least 45 minutes before departure to be entitled.
You can also reschedule your flight at no additional cost to you, or get a ticket refund if you were delayed for over 5 hours or your flight got cancelled. If you were denied boarding, you should be provided with free meals and drinks immediately while the airline books you a seat on another flight as soon as possible. If you missed your connecting flight, the airline is obligated to place you on another flight right away.
As long as you meet the criteria for compensation, you should take action to ensure you are duly compensated. Read more about your rights, especially if you’re a frequent traveller. The law also requires airlines to inform air passengers of their rights and also notify them of any flight disruptions.
How can I handle a disrupted flight situation?
If you are faced with any form of flight disruption, your next step is to find out WHY. Speak to an airline agent to let you know the cause of the disruption and get them to put it in writing, as it will come in handy to claim compensation later. Then, you can take advantage of some of your rights while still at the airport. Have access to the airport lounge, telephone, and internet services. Also, help yourself with the free food and drinks and if you will be spending the night, use the free hotel accommodation.
No one likes to have their travel plans disrupted, but if you find yourself in such a situation, you can still make the most of it by getting the airline to compensate you.
