EU Regulation 261/2004: Know Your Rights

Air travel can be quite stressful, especially when flights
don't go as planned. The good news, however, is that passengers flying within
and into or out of the European Union are supported by passenger rights
outlined in EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that travellers
receive fair treatment and compensation in the event of flight delays,
cancelations, and denied boarding. Understanding these rights, and knowing how services like Flightright can assist in enforcing them, is important for every air traveler.
Overview of EU Regulation 261/2004
EU Regulation 261/2004 was established to protect air
passengers by granting rights to compensation and assistance during disruptions
that are within the airline's control. The regulation covers:
- Flight Delays: Passengers are eligible for compensation if
their flight is delayed by three hours or more upon arrival.
- Flight Cancelations: Travelers are entitled to either a
full refund or rerouted flights, along with compensation unless they are
notified two weeks in advance or if the cancelation is due to extraordinary
circumstances.
- Denied Boarding: Passengers involuntarily denied boarding
due to overbooking are eligible for compensation similar to those affected by
cancelations.
The regulation applies to all flights departing from
airports within the EU, as well as flights arriving in the EU from outside,
provided they are operated by an EU carrier.
Compensation Details
Compensation amounts under EU Regulation 261/2004 are
determined by the flight distance and the length of the delay:
- Flights under 1,500 kilometers: €250 compensation.
- Flights between 1,500 to 3,500 kilometers: €400.
- Flights not within the EU and over 3,500 kilometers: €600.
How to Claim Your Rights
Follow this step-by-step process to get started:
Step 1: Contact the airline to find out the reason behind
the flight disruption, as this may determine whether or not you are entitled to
compensation.
Step 2: Gather all relevant documents, including your flight
ticket and all receipts as necessary. They will come in handy during this
process.
Step 3: File a compensation claim either by filling out an
official form on the airline’s website or sending them a direct email to know
the next steps.
Step 4: Seek the help of a travel agency or an attorney for
a seamless process and to ensure you receive full compensation.
Extraordinary Circumstances
It's important to note that airlines are not required to pay
compensation if the delay or cancelation is caused by extraordinary
circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather, security risks, or
air traffic control decisions. However, the airline must still offer care and
assistance, such as meals and accommodations, during the wait.
Conclusion
EU Regulation 261/2004 empowers passengers to receive fair
treatment and compensation when travel disruptions occur. Services like
Flightright further help ensure that these claims are processed efficiently and
effectively, lessening the burden on the passengers. Understanding and
utilizing these rights can significantly improve your travel experience,
turning potential frustrations into opportunities for compensation.