EC 261/2004 is a crucial regulation within European Union law designed to protect passenger rights. This legislation ensures that airlines are held financially accountable when flights are disrupted, as long as the issues are not due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Among various passenger rights regulations, EC 261 is recognized as one of the most comprehensive. It plays a significant role in advocating for air travelers, extending protection not only to those traveling within Europe but also to all passengers departing from European airports. Additionally, in certain cases, travelers arriving in Europe from other parts of the world may also be eligible for coverage under this regulation.

Stay informed about your rights with AioFlight, and ensure you’re protected during your journeys.

Many air passengers are unaware that, in numerous situations, airlines are legally and financially accountable for flight disruptions, not the passengers themselves. Depending on your specific flight circumstances and destination, understanding your rights as an air passenger and filing for EU airline compensation can result in reimbursements of up to €600 per person.

At AioFlight, we make the EU 261 claims process straightforward. Our team of flight experts is here to help you navigate the details and legal terminology with ease.

To begin your claim, simply select the issue you encountered with your disrupted flight:

• Denied boarding
• Flight cancellation
• Long delay (3 hours or more)

The compensation amount you may be eligible for varies based on several factors, including the distance traveled and the duration of your delay in reaching your final destination. Let AioFlight help you secure the compensation you deserve!

For air passengers seeking compensation, it’s important to know which flights are protected under EU law EC 261/2004. Most routes within Europe fall under this regulation, including not just EU airspace but also Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the outermost regions such as French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Guadeloupe, La Réunion, Saint-Martin, Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands.

Additionally, many international flights are covered. If your flight departs from an airport in the EU, you are eligible for compensation. If your flight starts outside the EU but your destination is within the EU, coverage will depend on the airline—European carriers provide coverage for those flights.

At AioFlight, we’re dedicated to helping air passengers understand their rights and make the most of the compensation process.

In certain situations, air passengers may be eligible for compensation under EC 261 for disrupted flights outside the EU, such as flight cancellations in the US. This applies if the disrupted flight was booked as a connection to an EU flight with the same airline and is part of a single reservation (under one booking reference number).

To quickly determine your eligibility, use our AioFlight Eligibility Check tool. We’re here to help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process efficiently.

Understanding your rights as an air passenger on EU flights includes recognizing situations where airlines are not liable for disruptions. According to EC 261, airlines are not obligated to provide compensation if the disruption is due to extraordinary circumstances—events that occur outside their control.

This means that if your flight is affected by such circumstances, the airline is not responsible for compensating you. Being informed about these exceptions can help you navigate your rights more effectively.

As an air passenger, it’s essential to know that you won’t be eligible for compensation for flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances. These include:

• Strikes: Actions taken by airport staff or air traffic control
• Political Unrest: Situations that disrupt normal operations
• Inclement Weather: Adverse weather conditions affecting flights
• Security Risks: Threats that compromise safety

Understanding these exceptions helps you navigate your rights effectively.

However while airlines are not required to compensate for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances, they must still demonstrate that they took reasonable measures to mitigate the delay. For instance, if bad weather affects flights, it may be classified as an extraordinary circumstance. However, if other airlines managed to avoid delays by being better prepared, you could still be entitled to compensation.

Since the introduction of EC 261, numerous court cases have clarified what qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance. Our team stays informed on these legal developments. Notably, a 2018 ruling by the European Court of Justice determined that airline staff strikes cannot be classified as extraordinary circumstances. This landmark decision means that many passengers impacted by such strikes may now be eligible for compensation.

Additional Rights Under EC 261 for Air Passengers

In addition to monetary compensation, European Regulation EC 261 outlines several rights concerning your treatment as an air passenger. Here are some key highlights:

Right to Information

You have the right to be informed about your rights under EC 261. Airlines are required to display this information at their check-in counters in all airports where they operate. If you need more details, you can also review the full text of EC 261.

Right to Reimbursement or Re-routing

If your delay exceeds 5 hours, you are entitled to a full or partial refund of your original ticket. Additionally, you have the right to a return flight to your departure point if needed.

Right to Care

During a flight disruption, you are entitled to certain essentials while waiting for the airline to assist you:

• Meals and Refreshments: Provided during the delay
• Communication Access: Including two phone calls, telex or fax messages, and emails
• Accommodation: If an overnight stay is required, the airline must provide a hotel room and transportation to and from the airport

The following chart outlines when air passengers become eligible for these rights:

Upgrading and Downgrading Rights

If you are offered an alternative flight in a higher class than the one you originally booked, the airline cannot charge you any extra fees. Conversely, if you are placed in a lower class, you may be eligible for a reimbursement ranging from 30% to 75% of the original ticket price.

Additional Compensation Rights

Your entitlement to compensation under EC 261 does not preclude you from seeking further compensation. However, this does not apply if you voluntarily give up your reservation. Keep in mind that any amount you receive under EC 261 may be deducted from any additional compensation you claim.