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In Feb 05 the European Union passed a new regulation which could see thousands of pounds a year being paid back to disgruntled passengers in the event of flight cancellations or delays.
How does it work?
In a nutshell, if you don't get to fly on the flight you booked, at the time you booked it for, and it's the airlines own fault, then you should be eligible for some compensation or assistance.
Cancellations
When a flight is cancelled you also have the right to either a refund or transportation to your destination as soon as possible. This is on top off the compensation payout..
| Compensation for flight cancellations | ||||||
| Flight Length |
0 – 1,500km e.g. |
1,500 – 3,500km e.g. |
3,500km + e.g. | |||
| Delay to destination |
Up to |
More than 2 hours |
Up to |
More than 3 hours |
Up to |
More than 4 hours |
| Compensation |
€125 |
€250 |
€200 |
€400 |
€300 |
€600 |
Delays
To qualify for this assistance, passengers must experience delays of 2 hours for flights up to 1,500km, 3 hours for journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and at least 4 hour delays for flights over 3,500km.
Any postponements of longer than 5 hours will also make passengers eligible for reimbursement of the ticket (if they decide not to travel), and if it continues into the night, hotel rooms, and transfer to it, must also be provided for poor weary customers.
So how do you get it?
In the event of either a cancellation or flight delay, the first thing you must do is contact the airline directly, and make it known that you'll be claiming the compensation. If the flight operator doesn't resolve the matter, you should then contact the Air Transport Users Council.
What's the catch?
If you have a legitimate claim, there isn't a catch; airlines that don't pay up will be hit with hefty £5,000 fines for every single passenger that they haven't compensated.
The only possible stumbling block occurs within the confusing definition of the kind of delays that are or aren't within the airline's control. Airlines are exempt from paying out compensation if cancellations are due to ‘extraordinary circumstances'.
How do I put it into practice?
These are rights, and legitimate expectations. Regardless of interpretation, being aware of your rights gives you power. This legislation is officially called “EU Regulation 261/2004”. Remember this name, you may well need it. Even if it doesn't always apply, knowing it and bandying it about is power.
For full details, see the Airport Transport Users Council guidelines
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