Air passenger rights when a flight is delayed or cancelled

The regulation sets out the rights of passengers in the event of flight disruptions, cancellations, and delays.

Understanding Air Passenger Rights

Air passenger rights are designed to protect the interests of passengers in the event of flight disruptions. The regulation provides a framework for airlines to follow in the event of disruptions, ensuring that passengers receive fair treatment and compensation.

Key Provisions of the Regulation

The regulation sets out several key provisions that apply to air passenger rights. These include:

Compensation for flight disruptions: Passengers are entitled to compensation for flight disruptions, including cancellations and delays. The amount of compensation varies depending on the length of the disruption and the distance of the flight. Reimbursement for expenses: Passengers are entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred as a result of the flight disruption, such as accommodation and food costs. Right to assistance: Passengers have the right to assistance, including help with finding alternative flights and accommodation. ## Examples of Air Passenger Rights in Action*

Examples of Air Passenger Rights in Action

The regulation has been tested in numerous cases, providing valuable insights into the application of air passenger rights. Example 1: Compensation for delayed flight: A passenger was delayed by 5 hours on a flight from Paris to London. The airline offered a voucher for a future flight, but the passenger was entitled to compensation under the regulation. The passenger received €400 in compensation, which was calculated based on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. Example 2: Reimbursement for accommodation costs: A passenger was forced to spend the night in a hotel after their flight was cancelled.

Airlines Must Provide Meals and Refreshments During Delays, But Compliance Remains a Challenge.

The Law and Airlines

Airlines are subject to strict regulations regarding passenger care during delays. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) sets the standards for airline passenger care, including provisions for meal and refreshment services during delays.

Key Provisions

The DOT requires airlines to provide meals and refreshments that are “sufficient to sustain a passenger for the duration of the delay.”

The type and quality of meals and refreshments must be determined by the airline, but they must be “consistent with the length of the delay.”

Airlines are also required to provide a reasonable amount of time for passengers to disembark the aircraft and access the gate area. ## The Reality of Delayed Flights

The Reality of Delayed Flights

While airlines are required to provide meals and refreshments during delays, the reality is that many passengers do not receive the services they are entitled to. According to a study by the US Department of Transportation, in 2020, only 44% of passengers who experienced a delay of more than two hours received a meal or refreshment.

Reasons for Non-Compliance

Lack of resources: Airlines may not have the necessary resources to provide meals and refreshments to all passengers.

Overnight delays result in free accommodation for stranded travelers.

Accommodation for Passengers with Overnight Delays

When a flight is delayed overnight, passengers are entitled to accommodation as per the regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the European Union.

EU Flight Compensation Regulations

The European Union has implemented a set of regulations to ensure that passengers are fairly compensated for flight delays. These regulations apply to flights within the EU and to flights that depart from or arrive at an EU airport, regardless of the airline or route.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for compensation, passengers must meet certain criteria:

The flight must be delayed by more than three hours. The flight must cover a distance of less than 1,500km. The passenger must have a confirmed booking and a valid ticket. ### Compensation Amount*

Compensation Amount

The compensation amount is €250, which is paid to the passenger for each delayed flight.

Exemptions

There are certain exemptions to the EU flight compensation regulations:

Flights that are delayed due to bad weather or other external factors.

The Right to Refund: A Passenger’s Protection

In the event of a flight cancellation or significant delay, airlines are required to provide passengers with a choice between a refund of the flight ticket or rerouting. This right to refund is a fundamental aspect of passenger protection, ensuring that airlines are held accountable for their actions.

Understanding the Limitations of the Right to Refund

While the right to refund is a significant benefit for passengers, it is essential to understand the limitations of this provision.

Flight cancellations can cause stress, inconvenience, and financial loss for passengers.

The Impact of Flight Cancellations on Passengers

Flight cancellations can have a significant impact on passengers, causing stress, inconvenience, and financial loss.

File a claim with the airline to get compensation for a disrupted flight.

Filing a Claim with the Airline

When a passenger experiences a disrupted flight, they may be entitled to compensation. The first step in this process is to submit a claim directly with the airline. This can be done by contacting the airline’s customer service department or by filling out a claim form on the airline’s website. The claim form should provide detailed information about the disruption, including the flight number, departure and arrival times, and the reason for the disruption.