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Air passenger rights

 

Air travel can come with unexpected turbulence. Fairflights ensures you're not left feeling lost. We offer a wealth of informative resources on air passenger rights, helping you understand your options and navigate potential compensation claims with confidence. Keeping your travel smooth, even when things get bumpy – stay informed, stay empowered, choose Fairflights.

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Demystifying Air Passenger Rights

Flying often involves complex regulations impacting passenger rights and protections. While the specific legal framework varies by country, understanding your entitlements can empower you to navigate unforeseen disruptions and potentially secure compensation.

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In Europe's EC 261 regulation provides more comprehensive protection, encompassing a wider range of disruptions and potential compensation scenarios.

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Despite these legal protections, a staggering 80% of air passengers remain unaware of their rights, leaving them vulnerable during travel disruptions.

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​This is where Fairflights comes in. We serve as your trusted partner, bridging the knowledge gap and empowering you to understand and utilize your air passenger rights. Through clear information and expert guidance, we equip you with the tools to advocate for yourself and potentially secure rightful compensation in case of disruptions

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Air Passenger Rights and Regulations You Should Know

Traveling within the European Union (EU) comes with a layer of protection you might not be aware of – Regulation 261/2004 (EC 261). This regulation empowers you with clear rights and potential compensation in case of flight disruptions like delays, cancellations, and overbooking.

What's Covered?

EC 261 applies to all flights:

  • Departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline's nationality.

  • Arriving in the EU on an EU airline, even if departing from outside the EU.

When Can You Claim?

If you experience any of the following disruptions and it's not due to "extraordinary circumstances" (e.g., severe weather, security risks), you might be entitled to compensation:

  • Flight delays: Exceeding 3 hours at your final destination.

  • Flight cancellations: Regardless of the reason, if you arrive at your final destination at least 3 hours later than planned.

  • Overbooking: Denied boarding due to more passengers than available seats.

  • Missed connections: Caused by one of the above disruptions.

How Much Can You Claim?

Compensation amounts vary depending on the flight distance and disruption type:

  • Delays: €250 to €600, based on flight distance and delay duration.

  • Cancellations: Similar to delays, depending on the flight distance and arrival delay at your final destination.

  • Overbooking: Up to €400, depending on the flight distance.

Additional Rights:

Beyond compensation, EC 261 grants you:

  • Re-routing: Airlines must offer alternative flights to reach your destination as soon as possible.

  • Reimbursement: If your flight is canceled and you choose not to travel anymore, you're entitled to a full ticket refund.

  • Hotel Accommodation & Meals: For lengthy delays or cancellations requiring an overnight stay, airlines must provide accommodation and meals under certain circumstances.

  • Communication & Assistance: Airlines must ensure access to communication (calls, emails) and offer assistance to passengers with disabilities during disruptions.

Claiming Your Rights:

Fairflights is here for you to make sure you get your deserved compensation.

Remember:

  • Keep all relevant documents like boarding passes, confirmation emails, and receipts of expenses incurred due to the disruption.

  • Act promptly, as most airlines have time limits for filing claims (usually 2-3 years).

  • Understanding your rights under EC 261 empowers you to navigate disruptions confidently and potentially secure rightful compensation.

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Which flights are and which flights are not covered

Understanding which flights are covered under EC 261 is crucial when considering potential compensation for disruptions. Here's a breakdown to help you navigate:

Flights Covered:

  • Departing from an EU airport: Regardless of the airline's nationality, any flight taking off from an EU airport falls under EC 261 protection.

  • Arriving in the EU on an EU airline: Even if your flight originates outside the EU, as long as the operating airline is registered within the EU and lands in an EU airport, EC 261 applies.

Flights Not Covered:

  • Flights within non-EU countries: If your entire journey takes place within a non-EU country, even with an EU connecting flight, EC 261 doesn't apply. 

  • Flights operated by non-EU airlines departing outside the EU and arriving outside the EU: These flights fall outside the scope of EC 261, regardless of any transit stops within the EU.

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Remember:

  • "Extraordinary circumstances" like severe weather, security risks, or air traffic control restrictions can exempt airlines from compensation obligations even for covered flights.

  • Double-check the flight details, airline nationality, and origin/destination points to accurately assess your eligibility under EC 261.

  • Airlines' websites often have dedicated sections outlining their passenger rights policies and specific interpretations of EC 261 regulations.
     

FairFlights' mission: Empowering Passengers, Securing Compensation

At FairFlights, we believe air travel should be smooth and stress-free, even when disruptions occur. Our mission is to empower passengers whose flights are affected by EC 261 regulations to navigate the complexities of claiming their rightful compensation.

We understand the frustration and confusion that can arise after flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking. Our team of experts is dedicated to:

  • Making the claim process easier: We offer a user-friendly platform and transparent procedures to simplify claiming compensation under EC 261.

  • Maximizing your chances of success: Our expertise in EC 261 regulations and negotiation strategies increases your chances of securing the full compensation you deserve.

  • Supporting you every step of the way: From initial eligibility assessment to claim submission and communication with airlines, we're here to guide and assist you throughout the process.

  • Raising awareness of air passenger rights: We educate travelers about their rights under EC 261 and empower them to advocate for themselves in case of disruptions.

We believe that air passenger rights should be clear, accessible, and enforceable. By simplifying the claim process and fighting for your due compensation, we aim to:

  • Empower passengers: We put you in control, ensuring you understand your rights and can confidently pursue rightful compensation.

  • Hold airlines accountable: We encourage airlines to uphold their obligations under EC 261, promoting fairer treatment for passengers.

  • Create a more transparent and passenger-centric travel industry: We advocate for stronger enforcement of air passenger rights, contributing to a better travel experience for everyone.

Let us help you navigate the complexities of EC 261 claims. We're on your side, working towards a smoother and more just travel experience for all.

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