Airline passengers often find themselves in unpleasant situations without being aware of their rights, including the possibility of claiming compensation for damages caused by a disputed flight. There are several situations in which passengers can claim compensation from the airline, including:
Compensation for flight delays depends on both the flight distance and the total delay time. For flights up to 1500 km, a delay of more than 2 hours entitles you, as a passenger, to claim compensation. For flights over 1500 km, the delay must be more than 3 hours to qualify for compensation.
For canceled flights, passengers’ rights are clearly defined and guaranteed by law and applicable international regulations. Compensation for a canceled flight depends on the reason for the cancellation. Canceled flights are those where the flight was not carried out. In such cases, every passenger is entitled to compensation.
It is not uncommon for passengers to be denied boarding without explanation, often due to overbooking. In such cases, passengers have the same rights as if the flight were canceled. Airlines are obligated to fulfill various obligations to passengers in such situations, treating the case as if the flight were canceled.
There are instances where the airline’s liability for compensation is excluded, such as:
- The airline is not required to pay compensation if it informed the passenger at least 14 days before the flight cancellation.
- Compensation is not available in cases of weather conditions (snow, storms, rain, etc.).
- Compensation is not possible in cases of security risks and extraordinary circumstances.
- Strikes affecting the operations of active airlines.
- Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires, etc.
- Airplane accidents.
Compensation is also available for lost luggage, defined as luggage that has not been found after 21 days. In this case, you can claim compensation up to 1,500 euros. However, by completing a form before the flight, the passenger provides proof of the luggage’s value, which the airline uses to decide the amount of compensation.
If your flight meets all the above conditions and the incident occurred within the past 3 years (statute of limitations), you are entitled to compensation for damages caused by any of the aforementioned situations. If the airline refuses to voluntarily pay the compensation owed to you, we can take legal steps to enforce your rights.
Our team of lawyers is here to assist you in filing a claim for compensation resulting from any of the disputed situations, helping you more easily assert your rights as an airline passenger
Author Dejana Colovic, Trainee Lawyer