Air travel has become an essential means of transportation for many people, whether for business or leisure purposes. However, it is not always a smooth ride. Flights can be delayed, canceled or even overbooked, leading to frustration and inconvenience for passengers. In this article, we will look at the rights an airline passenger is entitled to, as well as the flight delay compensation they can count on.

Know Your Rights

It is important for airline passengers to know their rights in order to avoid unfair treatment by airlines. EU Regulation 261/2004 sets out the rules for cancellations, delays and denied boarding. It applies to all flights departing from EU airports as well as flights operated by EU airlines from outside the EU to EU airports.

Delays, Cancellations, and Denied Boarding

If your flight is delayed, an air carrier should provide you with assistance, such as food, drink and accommodation, depending on the length of the delay.

In the event of a two-hour delay, you are entitled to a phone call or email to notify family or work. If the delay lasts longer than three hours, you may be entitled to up to €600 flight delay compensation. The amount of late flight compensation depends on the flight distance and the length of the delay.

In case of a flight cancellation the airline should offer you the possibility to rebook the flight or provide a full refund. If the airline does not offer you an alternative flight that suits your schedule, the EU flight cancellation rights make you eligible for compensation.

Denied boarding occurs when the airline refuses to allow you to board the flight, even if you have a confirmed reservation. In such cases, the airline must provide you with an alternative flight or a full refund. You may also be entitled to compensation of up to €600, depending on the distance of the flight and the reason for the denial.

Lost Luggage

Losing luggage can be a nightmare for any air traveler. If your luggage is lost or damaged, you may receive compensation from an air carrier. You should notify the airline as soon as possible about the loss of your luggage. The amount of compensation may vary depending on the weight of the luggage and the specific circumstances of the flight. If you had to purchase necessities because of delayed or lost luggage, the airline should reimburse you for reasonable expenses.

Overbooking

Overbooking occurs when an airline sells more tickets than there are seats available on a flight. When a flight is overbooked, the airline must determine who will get bumped. In such cases, the airline first asks for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation.

If there are no volunteers, the airline usually considers various factors, such as fare class, regular passenger status, and check-in time, to decide who can be bumped. Passengers who have paid the lowest fares or do not have the airline’s frequent flier status are usually the first to be denied boarding.

If you get bumped, the airline must provide you with an alternate flight or a full refund. You may also be entitled to compensation of up to €600, depending on the length of the delay and the flight distance.

Compensation and Remedies

If your rights as an airline passenger are violated, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important to keep all documents related to the flight, such as boarding passes and receipts, as you may need them to file a claim. You can file a claim directly with the airline or through a specialized service provider.

The following is a summary of the basic rights to which you are entitled in the event of flight disruptions:

• If your flight is delayed by more than two hours, the air carrier must provide you with food and refreshments, access to communications and, if necessary, accommodation;
• If your flight is canceled, the airline must offer you a choice between a full refund or an alternate flight;
• If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, the airline must reimburse you;
• If your luggage is lost or delayed, you are entitled to compensation;
• If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, you may be entitled to compensation under EU law.

In conclusion

Air travel can be unpredictable, but you, as an airline passenger, have rights that protect you in the event of flight cancellation, delay, lost luggage, and overbooking. If you encounter any of these problems while traveling, you should report them to the airline and seek compensation and remedies as appropriate.

Have you experienced flight delays or cancellations? How have you handled the situation? Share your experiences in the comments section.