If you’ve ever wondered if you can claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight, the answer is YES. Now, more than ever, it’s possible to get airlines to compensate you for the inconveniences caused by them.
There are now companies like Flightright putting in the work to ensure that air passengers are treated just. You shouldn’t have to suffer for something caused by the airline you already paid for.
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What is the Flight Compensation Regulation?
The flight compensation regulation (EC No 261/2004) is a regulation under European law that protects air passengers when they face severe flight disruptions. Long flight delays and flight cancellations would classify as severe flight disruptions, as they can mess with your itinerary.
Under this regulation, you may be entitled to compensation between €250 and €600 and rights to care. This includes access to the internet, free meals and drinks, and a hotel booking for longer delays that may last the night.
This is valid for a flight operated in the last six years, so even if it’s been a while since it happened, you can still claim compensation.
To be eligible for flight compensation, your flight must have departed from an EU member state or arrived in one with a European airline. If you are flying to and fro other places instead, you can do your research and find out the laws that cover their airlines.
Under the EC 261 regulation, you have only entitled if the reason for the flight disruption was within the airline’s control. Also, if you were not notified of the possible disruption before departure.
And if you were notified, it means you got the notification late, which is less than 14 days before the departure date. For flight delays, you must have checked in at least 45 minutes before the departure time to be eligible.
If you meet the criteria, you can go ahead to make your compensation claim.
How to Claim Compensation for a Delayed or Cancelled Flight
If your flight has been delayed or canceled unjustly, the first thing you want to do is find out why. The airline would probably mention the reason in any notification they send to you but if they didn’t, you can reach out to them.
Either walk to the information desk if you are already at the airport or contact the airline directly through email or telephone. Get them to put the reason for the flight disruption in writing. If it was within their control, they would have to compensate you.
Gather all your documents, from your valid ID to your ticket and booking confirmation, vouchers, and receipts. You will need them while making your compensation claim. Contact the airline or fill out the compensation form on their website if available.
Bottom Line
Flight delays and cancellations are not only frustrating but can also mess with travel plans and business meetings. Airlines should be responsible for any inconvenience caused and the good thing is that there’s a law to protect you as an air passenger in Europe.
