Flight cancellation compensation is under the EU Regulation Nr. 261/2004 where air
passengers are entitled to a form of compensation if their flight is delayed or
cancelled. This has helped passengers fight for their rights and be treated
fairly. However, not everyone claims compensation for cancelled flights and a
common reason is that they have no idea how it works or if such a law even
exists.
What is the EC 261 Regulation About?
The EC Regulation 261/2004 is the law that favors passengers
in the European Union. This law requires airlines to compensate passengers when
there are flight delays or cancellations. Air passengers are entitled to
compensation of €250 to €600, which depends on the flight distance. You are
also entitled to a full refund of your original travel ticket or a replacement
flight.
What are the Eligibility Criteria?
Use the checklist below to know if the EC 261 law applies to
you:
- You have a valid ticket and booking confirmation.
- Your flight is departing from an EU country or landing in
one and the airline is headquartered within the EU.
- The airline informed you of the cancellation less than 14
days before the original departure date.
- The reason for cancellation is within the airline’s
control.
What Do You Do after Your Flight is cancelled?
Now that your flight is cancelled, you will have to get the
compensation process started as soon as possible.
Start by asking the airline to put the reason for the
cancellation into writing, as this can play a role in whether or not you get
compensated. Proceed to gather all the necessary information and documents that
will be used. This includes replacement flight tickets, expense receipts
(including expenses you made personally, outside of the airline, as a result of
the cancellation), and vouchers.
If you got the notification late and you are at the airport
already, take advantage of the complimentary food and drinks at the airport.
But you should also ask questions and be careful of signing just any document
that may nudge you to waive your rights unknowingly.
How Do You File a Compensation?
After getting all the necessary documents, call the airline
to get the process started. Some airlines already have a form you can fill on
their website, so you can also visit their website directly to save time.
For additional help, contact your travel agency or a travel
advisor. They have all the tools you need to help you get compensated
successfully and you will need all the help you can get. You can also easily
process a refund if you booked the flight through a travel portal or agency or
used a credit card.
Bottom Line
If you have ever had to deal with last-minute flight
cancellations, you would understand how frustrating it is and no one should
have to deal with that. Know your rights on flight cancellations following the
EC 261 Regulation and get compensated if your flight ever gets cancelled
unjustly.
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