About EU261

In 2004, the European Parliament enacted a regulation known as EU 261, which aims to compensate passengers when they are denied boarding or experience delays. It also seeks to protect those affected by cancellations and delays due to the negligence of an airline. The regulation is part of a broader strategy by the European Commission to improve the air travel industry's efficiency.

The regulation remains valid for flights originating from an EU airport and operated by an EU airline. It requires airlines to provide compensation to passengers if certain conditions are met.

These include the following:

There was either a cancellation or a delay of more than two hours.
The passenger must be transferred to another airline.
The passenger was denied boarding due to overbooking or needing cabin crew personnel.

The EU 261 talks about the following:

It's meant to help people deal with delays, cancellations, or overbooked.
It also gives people whose flights have been delayed for several hours access to different services.
If a flight is canceled or delayed for more than five hours, passengers can ask to sit on another plane or cancel their original reservation.
It requires airlines to let their passengers know about delays and cancellations.

Ready to claim compensation for your disrupted flight?

EU airlines have to do more than pay compensation.

1) Remind travelers of their rights under EU 261

EU261 suggests that airlines must give customers written information about their rights if their flight is canceled or delayed. This information must be on a document that can be shown at the check-in counter. In addition to giving passengers printed information about their rights, airlines must also tell them about available compensation and help.

2) Give people their money back or book them on another flight.

If something goes wrong during a flight, airlines must do more than give the standard form of compensation. They must also either offer refunds or make other transportation plans.

3) Assist and care for people.

If a flight is late, the airline is responsible for giving passengers free food and drinks based on the following:

Flight length 1500 km – 2 hours and up wait time
Internal EU flights with more than 1500km flight distance – 3 hours and up wait time
External EU flights with flight distances between 1500 km and 3500 km – 3 hours and up wait time.
External EU flights with more than 3500 km flight distance – 4 hours and up wait time

Passengers whose flights have been canceled are entitled to refunds or an alternative flight the following day. If the alternative flight cannot be offered the next day, the passenger must be transported to and from their accommodation.

Flights that are Eligible Under EU 261

This regulation applies to all flights within the EU. It also covers services provided by airlines based in the EU and those sold on routes that cross the EU.

It protects passengers who travel within the EU and book a ticket using a valid confirmation number or ticket. It also covers those who travel after their flights have originated or ended in the EU. This regulation applies to flights from Switzerland and Norway, which are not part of the EU.

From an EU country to another EU country - covered for both EU and non-EU carriers
From an EU country to a non-EU country - covered for both EU and non-EU carriers
From a non-EU country to an EU country - covered for an EU carrier only
From a non-EU country to another non-EU country- not covered regardless of whether the airline is based in the EU.

Compensation is as follows:

If the flight is delayed for less than three hours and it's not more than 1,500 kilometers from your final destination, you will get €250.
A compensation policy of €400 is offered to those whose flights are delayed by more than 3,500 kilometers.
If the passenger's flight has been delayed for over three hours, and the total distance it has traveled is over 3,500 kilometers, they will get a €600 compensation.

When a flight is canceled or delayed, passengers are entitled to certain services from the airline and whatever compensation they may be owed.

You are entitled to free refreshments if your flight is canceled or delayed for more than two hours. On trips over 1,500 kilometers, each passenger is allowed two phone calls and two emails.

Cash, wire transfers, bank drafts, or cheques are all acceptable payment methods. Vouchers are another option for passengers who may prefer to avoid receiving cash.

Extraordinary Circumstances

The law prohibits passengers from claiming compensation if their flight was canceled or delayed due to events beyond the airline's control.

The passenger's right to file a compensation claim is waived in the event of an "exceptional circumstance." It is a condition that cannot be avoided even if the airline company takes the appropriate steps.

The phrase "extraordinary circumstances" refers to unpredictable or preventable situations for airlines. This problem might have been caused by several things, some listed here: terrorism, sabotage, political upheaval, natural calamities, and defective production. There are several examples of this, including military actions that disrupt air traffic control, problems with airport security, and faulty machinery.

Unfortunately, a large number of airlines need to be more explicit about the particulars of extraordinary circumstances that are beyond their control. They are required to disclose specifics to the local authorities and the passengers to remain on the right side of the law.