Strike, weather conditions & co - When do I get compensation, when not?

DALL·E 2024-06-25 16.29.53 - A modern airport terminal with a busy scene of passengers. Some are standing in line at a service counter, while others are seated with their luggage,

When am I entitled to compensation in the event of a flight delay?


The EU Passenger Rights Regulation stipulates that you are entitled to compensation for flight delays under certain conditions.

When does a flight delay qualify for compensation?

A flight delay is considered eligible for compensation if it lasts at least three hours on arrival at the destination airport. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance:

1. Short-haul flight (up to 1,500 km): 250 euros

2. Medium-haul flight (between 1,500 and 3,500 km): 400 euros

3. Long-haul flight (over 3,500 km): 600 euros

Are there exceptions to the obligation to pay compensation for flight delays?

Yes, there are exceptions. In exceptional circumstances such as bad weather, political instability or natural disasters, there is no entitlement to compensation. However, technical problems that occur during the airline's normal operations are not extraordinary circumstances and entitle you to compensation.

When am I entitled to compensation in the event of a flight cancellation?

A flight cancellation can be very annoying for travelers, but there are clear rules for compensation.

What rights do I have if my flight is canceled?

If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to care services such as meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation and transfers. You can also choose between

1. Reimbursement of the full flight price within seven days

2. Replacement transportation to your destination under comparable conditions

When is there no entitlement to compensation for flight cancellation?

There is no compensation if the airline informs you of the cancellation more than 14 days before the scheduled departure or if the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided, even if all reasonable measures were taken.

What applies in the event of a strike?

Strikes can also lead to considerable disruptions in air traffic.

Am I entitled to compensation for flight cancellations or delays caused by strikes?

In principle, the same rights apply as for other delays or cancellations. However, if the strike is within the airline's sphere of influence, such as flight staff strikes, you are entitled to compensation. In the case of strikes that are beyond the airline's control, such as security strikes, there is generally no entitlement to compensation.

What exceptional circumstances release the airline from its obligation to pay compensation?

What are exceptional circumstances?

Extraordinary circumstances are situations that are beyond the control of the airline and cannot be avoided, even if all reasonable measures have been taken. These include

Bad weather (e.g. heavy snowfall, storm)

Natural disasters (e.g. volcanic eruption)

Political instability

Bird strike

Closure of the airspace

Technical problems: Entitled to compensation or not?

Technical problems that occur during the airline's normal operations are not considered extraordinary circumstances. Passengers are therefore entitled to compensation in these cases.

How do I go about getting my compensation?

What steps are necessary to apply for compensation?

To receive compensation, you should take the following steps:

1. Contact the airline: use the online forms on their websites or send a written claim.

2 .Document your expenses: Keep all receipts for expenses such as hotel, cab or meals.

3. Obtain confirmation: Obtain written confirmation of the delay or cancellation from ground staff.

4. Take screenshots: Take screenshots of online complaint forms as proof.

What to do if the airline does not respond?

If the airline does not respond to your claim or refuses to respond, you can turn to service providers such as Captain Frank, who specialize in enforcing air passenger rights.

Captain Frank helps you to enforce your compensation claims - without any cost risk for you. Use our platform to assert your rights quickly and easily and receive your reimbursement. Contact us now and let us fight for your rights!

 

Conclusion

Flight delays and cancellations are annoying, but with the right information and the support of experts like Captain Frank, you can enforce your rights as a passenger and receive your compensation. Stay informed and know when you are entitled to compensation and how to claim it.

 

Claim your refund now! Take advantage of Captain Frank's expertise and let us fight for your rights. Claim your compensation now - quickly, easily and without risk.

 

Sources:

  1. Europäisches Verbraucherzentrum Deutschland

  2. NDR Ratgeber - Fluggastrechte: Was tun bei Flugverspätung und -ausfall?

 

Note: AI generated picture