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EU Regulations on Flight Delays and Denied Boarding
The European Union has established clear regulations to protect air passengers' rights, especially in cases of flight delays and denied boarding. These rights are primarily outlined in EU Regulation 261/2004, which applies to all flights departing from EU airports and flights arriving in the EU operated by an EU carrier. This regulation provides passengers with entitlements to compensation, care, and assistance.
Rights in Case of Flight Delays
When your flight is delayed, the EU regulations demand certain rights based on the delay's duration and the flight's distance. For delays of two hours or more, passengers are entitled to:
- Meals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time.
- Two telephone calls, emails, or fax messages.
- Hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel if an overnight stay is necessary.
- Financial compensation, which depends on the flight distance and delay length, unless the delay is due to extraordinary circumstances.
Understanding Denied Boarding Compensation
Denied boarding, usually due to overbooking, is another area where EU regulations provide strong passenger protections. If you are denied boarding against your will, you are entitled to:
1. Immediate Assistance: Similar to flight delays, you are entitled to meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary.
2. Re-routing or Refund: You have the choice between a full refund of your ticket within seven days or a re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or a later date convenient to you.
3. Financial Compensation: The compensation amount varies based on the flight distance. For flights up to 1500 kilometers, you can receive €250; for EU flights over 1500 kilometers and non-EU flights between 1500 and 3500 kilometers, €400; and for flights not falling in these categories, €600. This compensation is immediate and separate from any subsequent claims for damages.
Claiming Your Rights
To claim compensation in the event of a flight delay or denied boarding, follow these steps:
Step 1: Collect Evidence
Keep your boarding pass and any other travel documents. Note down the details of the incident, including the scheduled and actual departure times.
Step 2: File a Complaint with the Airline
Contact the airline to file your complaint. Provide all necessary details, including your valid booking ticket, receipts, and records of all your communications with the airline, and mention that you are seeking compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Step 3: Seek Legal Assistance if Necessary
If the airline fails to respond or rejects your claim without a valid reason, consider seeking legal assistance or contacting the national body responsible for enforcing air passenger rights in the EU country involved.
As an air passenger within the European Union, you have well-defined rights in the event of a flight delay or denied boarding. Being aware of these rights, particularly regarding denied boarding compensation, can relieve you of the inconvenience caused by such disruptions.
