Air passenger rights: Rules and regulations explained

Nov 06 2024 MFR travel team

When flying by plane it's important to know your rights, as a passenger because it can greatly affect how you feel about the experience of air travel. Air travel has its share of challenges such as flight delays or cancellations. Being denied boarding could occur. Fortunately there are rules and laws in place to protect passengers and ensure they are treated fairly. This article will discuss the rights that air passengers have with a focus on laws like EU Regulation 261/2004 and similar regulations in parts of the world to help you understand what you're entitled, to when flying by air.

Understanding your passenger rights

Passenger rights exist to provide you with protections and compensations in situations where your flight does not go as planned. They vary significantly depending on where you are traveling (within the EU, outside the EU, or from an EU country) and the airline you are flying with. Familiarizing yourself with these rights can empower you to take action if your travel plans are disrupted.

EU Regulation 261/2004

One of the most comprehensive sets of passenger rights is established under EU Regulation 261/2004, which covers flights departing from or arriving at EU airports on EU-based airlines. This regulation applies to a wide range of situations, including flight delays, flight cancellations and denied boarding.

Right to compensation: If your flight is delayed by three hours or more upon arrival, or if your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to compensation. The compensation amounts vary based on the distance of your flight:

• 250 € for flights up to 1 500 km.
• 400 € for flights between 1 500 and 3 500 km.
• 600 € for flights over 3 500 km.

Compensation may not be applicable if the flight delay or flight cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, political instability or air traffic control strikes.

Right to reimbursement or re-routing: If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you the choice between: A full refund of your ticket price OR re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity.

Right to care: During long delays or while waiting for a rebooked flight, airlines are obligated to provide care, which includes meals, refreshments, accommodation (if necessary), and transportation to and from the hotel. You are also entitled to two phone calls or emails.

Rights for delayed flights

If your flight gets delayed then the compensation you can receive is based on how long the delay's how your flight travels also; In situations where your flight is delayed for, than two hours by airlines are usually obligated to offer you food and drinks as a form of assistance. If the delay stretches into the hours of the night hotel accommodations might also be provided for you well. Make sure you keep an eye, on your airlines website or mobile app to stay informed about any flight delays and the reasons behind them.

Denied boarding and overbooking

Airlines sometimes overbook flights, expecting that a certain percentage of passengers won’t show up. If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you have rights under EU Regulation 261/2004:

Right to compensation: If you are denied boarding against your will, you may be entitled to compensation similar to that for delays and cancellations.

Right to care: You should also receive meals and accommodation if you are stranded at the airport due to denied boarding.

How to exercise your rights

Knowing your rights is only the first step; exercising them effectively is crucial:

• Document everything: Keep all flight-related documents, including your boarding pass, ticket confirmation, and any communication from the airline regarding delays or cancellations.
• Contact the airline: If you experience a delay or cancellation, contact the airline's customer service immediately. Request compensation and explain your situation, citing the relevant regulations that apply.
• File a complaint: If your airline does not respond satisfactorily, consider filing a complaint with the relevant authorities (such as the national enforcement body in the EU) or seek legal advice.

Understanding your air passenger rights can empower you to take control of a challenging travel situation. Whether traveling within the EU, to or from North America, or other regions, being aware of your rights can significantly alleviate the stress of flight disruptions.

How MYFLYRIGHT can assist you

If you find yourself dealing with delays, cancellations or any air travel disruptions, MYFLYRIGHT is here to help. We specialize in navigating the complexities of air passenger rights, particularly under EU Regulation 261/2004. Our experienced team can assist you in filing compensation claims, ensuring that you receive the compensation you are entitled to without the hassle of dealing directly with airlines. Let MYFLYRIGHT take the stress out of claiming your rights so you can focus on your travel plans.