What is the compensation under ec261?

Decoding EC 261: Your Rights to Compensation for Flight Disruptions

Air travel, while exciting, can be fraught with unexpected delays and cancellations. European Union Regulation 261/2004 (EC 261) offers vital protection to passengers experiencing such disruptions, providing a framework for compensation irrespective of the airline’s reason for the problem. Understanding your rights under EC 261 is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve.

This regulation focuses on compensation, not just reimbursement for expenses incurred due to the disruption. The core principle is that passengers are entitled to financial compensation for significant delays and cancellations, regardless of whether the airline was at fault. The amount of compensation is directly linked to the distance of the flight, not the price of the ticket. This means a budget airline passenger on a long-haul flight may receive more compensation than a business class passenger on a short flight, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

How much compensation can I claim?

The compensation amount falls into three tiers:

• €250: For flights of 1500 km or less.
• €400: For flights within the EU over 1500 km and for all other flights between 1500 and 3500 km.
• €600: For flights over 3500 km.

These distances refer to the flight distance as the crow flies, not the actual route taken.

When am I eligible for compensation?

EC 261 applies to flights departing from an EU airport, or arriving in an EU airport on an airline operating within the EU. To claim compensation, the disruption must fall under one of the following categories:

• Cancellation: Your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice.
• Significant Delay: Your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours on arrival at your final destination.

It’s important to note that there are exceptions. Compensation may not be payable if the disruption is caused by:

• Extraordinary circumstances: These are unforeseen events outside the airline’s control and which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples include severe weather, air traffic control strikes, political instability, or security risks. The burden of proving extraordinary circumstances rests with the airline.
• Late notification: If the airline notified you of the cancellation or significant delay more than 14 days prior to departure, you may not be eligible for compensation.

What should I do if my flight is disrupted?

• Gather evidence: Keep your flight ticket, boarding pass, and any communication from the airline.
• Document delays: Note the actual departure and arrival times.
• File a claim: Contact the airline directly to initiate the claims process. Keep records of all correspondence.
• Consider alternative dispute resolution: If your claim is rejected, you can explore options such as contacting a consumer protection agency or pursuing legal action.

EC 261 provides valuable protection for air passengers. By understanding your rights and gathering the necessary evidence, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving the compensation you are due for flight disruptions. Remember, the amounts are fixed by regulation and are based solely on flight distance, not the inconvenience or cost of your ticket.