Flying to or via Europe

[happytraveller]

Some tips to anybody flying to or via Europe. The European Union (EU) has some clear and good regulations (Regulation EC No. 261/2004 if you are really interested) which lay down rights of passengers to compensation and help if your flight is delayed or cancelled. I am currently getting a refund and compensation from Air Baltic for some cancelled flights, but the rules are good to know if you are flying to/via Europe.

They apply to passengers who either fly to/from a European Union airport, or to passengers flying on an EU airline. Basically, if the flight is delayed or cancelled, then you will be entitled (under EU law) to compensation and help. For my cancelled flight, the compensation is set at 400 Euros, which also applies in the case of delays over a certain time limit as well. Not only this, but the regulations set out what help you must be offered (eg. hotels for overnight stays, telephone calls etc.) and your rights to cancel and refunds. Under EU law, the airlines have to have this information available to you at the EU airports, although they will probably not have it on show too clearly!!! Best thing is to ask them for a copy. Interestingly, it also applies to non-EU airlines which are flying to/from an EU airport, so just because you are flying with an airline such as an Asian one, then it does not mean that they can avoid the laws. The EU laws also state that terms in an airline's own conditions of carriage cannot override the EU law, which has precedence.

So keep it in mind that if you are on your way to Europe, or via Europe, that if you see the delayed or cancelled notice up on the departures board, then you might legally be entitled to some decent compensation.

Smooth landings (hopefully not delayed).

[ardypilot]

Thanks for the tip, I think I'll print this page for reference during my travels around Europe in the summer