The flight is late or has been canceled? Do you know that you are entitled to compensation of 600 euros? – Life

EU Regulation 261/2004 – Your rights as a passenger

For passengers flying from the European Union or the EU, regardless of which airline is in question, the basic protection is provided by the EU Regulation 261/2004. This Regulation defines the rights of passengers In case of delay, flights cancellation and deprivation of boarding. Regulation applies to flights within the EU, as well as on EU flights to third countries, but also flights from third countries to the EU, writes kulturizam.com.

What to do in case of flight delays?

If your flight is longer than 2 hours (depending on the flight time), you are entitled to certain rights:

• Food and beverage delivery – If the delay is longer than 2 hours for short flights (up to 1,500 km), or longer than 3 hours for flights to up to 3,500 km, airline is required to provide you with meal and drink.
• Correl compensation – If the delay for more than 3 hours is not due to extraordinary circumstances, or the strike in which airline has been influenced by 2,500 euros within the EU longer than 1,500 KM and flights to 3,500 KM as well as 600 eur for flights outside the EU 3.500 KM
• If a flight is more than 5 hours late (and the passenger decides not to continue the journey on the same day), the airline is obliged to offer you an alternative transport or refund map and provide accommodation. If the replacement flight is scheduled for the next day, the airline must provide accommodation in the hotel and all the necessary conditions so you can wait for the flight the next day.

What do you do in case of flight cancellation?

When your flight has been canceled your rights are very clear:

The airline is obliged to inform you about cancellation at least 2 hours before the scheduled take-off time. If the notification was delayed, the airline is obliged to transport you to your destination without additional costs.

If the flight was canceled, the passenger has the right to compensation except in situations when cancellation caused by higher force. The amount of compensation is the same as in late: 250 EUR for flights to 1,500 km, 400 KM for flights within the EU longer than 1,500 KM and flights to 3,500 km, as well as 600 eur for flights outside the EU, which are longer than 3,500 km. If the flight is not provided, the airline must offer an alternative flight or the ability to refund for the map. In case of cashback, the passenger may request the entire amount of the ticket.

When does compensation not possible?

Some situations release the airline from the obligation to pay compensation. This includes:

• Higher force (like bad weather, natural disasters, dangerous health situations – pandemic)
• Political unrest or terrorist attack
• Technical problems that have not arisen due to the airline error. However, if the delay or cancellation of the consequence of the airline error, they are obliged to pay compensation.

How to apply for a refund or compensation?

The first step is to contact the airline. Most airlines have special forms for submitting a request for refund or compensation on their websites. Collect all relevant flight information (flight number, date, evidence of delay or cancel) and store all accounts or evidence of costs you had due to delay (food, drink, accommodation). Usually, passengers have the right to apply for compensation within 2 years from the date of cancellation or delay.

Supervisory institutions and help consumers

If you do not agree with the airline response or consider your rights not complied with, you can contact: to the National Civil Aviation Agency as well as consumer protection organizations. You can also seek help with NGOs and advisory services dealing with passenger rights, states kulturizam.com.

How to speed up the process?

There are several tips that can help the process of looking for compensation faster:

• Use online platforms – there are websites and applications, which can help automatically submit a compensation and process acceleration.
• Be persistent – if your request refuses, you have the right to request reconsideration or contact the competent institutions.
• The rights of passengers in case of delay or cancellation of the summer in the EU are clearly defined and protecting you from unfair situations. Get acquainted with the EU Regulation 261/2004 and always insist on your rights. If the airline refuses to pay you compensation or refund, do not give up, because you are entitled to help help from the competent bodies.

With timely information, patience and perseverance, you can ensure that you do not abolish the rights that belong to you as passengers.