Understanding your rights as a passenger in the EU when flight delay compensation is mentioned comes with one caveat. That caveat is something that the European Passenger Rights Regulation EC 261/04 doesn’t specifically outline. We are talking about the length of time it takes for your claim to take when processing and being reviewed by the airline.
There is an outline for how much money you are owed as flight compensation (as much as €600) and the amount is going to be determined by the distance of the canceled flight . Going through the process of making that claim is less of a defined path, and sometimes it can present challenges that extend past your flight.
Collecting Flight Compensation If It’s Owed To You
Airlines try to make the process of collecting the compensation you are owed difficult . Now, that’s not to say that there won’t be instances of a cut and dry compensation claim for an EU flight delay. In this case, the airline might not bother putting up a fight.
At TravelRefund, we strive to put you in a position to succeed regardless of the scenario. Let’s start with your rights in the event of a delay or canceled flight in the EU.
What Are Your Rights?
Your rights as a passenger are defined by European Passenger Rights Regulation EC 261/04 . The baseline requirement for your rights to kick in is that you have a valid ticket and booking confirmation and begin your trip at an airport in the EU. Either that or your flight lands at an airport in the EU. Furthermore, the airline also must have their headquarters located in the EU.
It’s important to remember that EC 261/04 protects you against more than just flight cancellations. It covers lengthy delays, missing connecting flights, and overbooked flights as well.
There are certain distance thresholds that must be crossed that will provide you a better idea of what EU flight delay compensation you are owed from an airline. They are:
- Short distance flight delays (anything below 1500km of travel), call for compensation of €250.
- Medium distance flight delays (between 1500km and 3500km) points toward passengers being due €400 in compensation.
- Long distance flight delays (anything over 3500km) calls for compensation of €600 per passenger.
Another point worth noting is that the flight delay or, eventually a cancellation must be within the airline’s control. Your right to compensation depends on the reason for the cancellation.
If extraordinary circumstances are the culprit behind your EU flight delay, compensation claims might fall flat.
In the event of a delayed or canceled flight, this is what you need to keep in mind ; the airline has certain obligations to fulfill. These obligations include informing you of your rights if a situation requires it and providing you with necessary accommodations during the delay or cancellation. Offering you another flight to the same destination is a start. Otherwise, they are required to refund your ticket as a form of compensation for your flight cancellation.
Now, let’s move on to making the claim and fighting for your rights.
Making The Initial Claim
If you decide to start this process on your own, anticipate some hurdles on the journey. Filling out the proper paperwork and going through those steps can lead to a slow, plodding process. This is a path to the slowest possible turnaround time on your flight compensation claim.
Without proper oversight into the process, it’s going to be tough for anybody to maintain visibility into the status of their claim and track it as it moves through the system. The airline is potentially facing a large volume of claims for flight delay compensation in the EU , and they will move slowly as they work their way to your claim. Airlines often stall in a strategic fashion unless there is something pushing them along. They won’t make it easy for passengers to exercise their rights and collect compensation for an E U flight delay .
This is where we make your life easier and where we show our value.
Going Through The Process With TravelRefund
Turning to TravelRefund will speed up this process. While there is no way to predict exactly how long it will take, we will contact the airline on your behalf as soon as your claim is filed with us.
We will do everything we can to get you your compensation as soon as possible. Situations may vary , and a t TravelRefund , we are prepared for all of them. There are going to be huge differences in the quickness of response from an airline, especially if it’s in regard to an EU flight delay compensation claim. Failing to answer is unacceptable, and it’s in violation of your rights to flight compensation . Along the way, w e are following up on all ongoing cases and pushing airlines to answer your request for compensation.
What Comes Next?
Our team understands and anticipates the excuses that airlines lean on when faced with a flight delay compensation claim somewhere in the EU . If the claim is rejected, our lawyers will review your case . Ultimately, we will bring your case to court, if that’s what you decide to do .
Once reviewed, if we believe an airline was responsible for your delay or cancellation, our legal experts will fight so that your claim proves to be beneficial. If the case goes to court, it may take more than 6 months before the case is complete.
No Cure, No Pay: The TravelRefund Way
Finding yourself in a situation that demands flight compensation can be stressful, but TravelRefund’s “ no cure, no pay ” solutions can make a difference in not only the success of your claim but the amount of time it takes to be reviewed and processed. Whether you are being told that extraordinary circumstances apply, or failures in communication with the airline during your claim process slow things down, we are here to help.
Our online flight compensation claim form makes it easy for you to take that next step. Once received we will review the case, free of charge.