Eligibility for Compensation under EC261/2004
Before understanding how much compensation you can claim, let’s first establish when you’re eligible to do so. According to EC261/2004, you are entitled to compensation under the following circumstances:
It’s important to note that these rights apply to all flights departing from EU airports. For flights into the EU, these rights apply only if the operating airline is an EU carrier.
However, there are certain ‘extraordinary circumstances’ where the airline may not be obliged to pay compensation, such as extreme weather conditions, airport strikes, security risks, or political instability.
Compensation Amounts under EC261/2004
The compensation amounts are defined by EC261/2004 and vary depending on the flight distance and the length of the delay upon arrival.
Here’s a simplified table to help you understand your entitled compensation:
| Flight Distance | Length of Delay | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|
| < 1,500 km | > 3 hours | €250 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | > 3 hours | €400 |
| > 3,500 km | 3-4 hours | €300 |
| > 3,500 km | > 4 hours | €600 |
Assistance and Support under EC261/2004
Apart from compensation, passengers are also entitled to ‘right to care’ provisions under EC261/2004. These include:
- Meals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time.
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation and transport to the hotel (if a stay of one or more nights becomes necessary).
- Reimbursement and a return flight to the first point of departure, if the delay is more than five hours.
How Airclaim.com can help
At Airclaim.com, we are dedicated to helping passengers understand their rights and claim their rightful compensation. We navigate through the complex process, deal with the airlines, and ensure that your rights under EU Regulation EC261/2004 are upheld.
Don’t let the complexities of air travel spoil your experience. Understand your rights, claim your compensation, and let us assist you in ensuring that your journey is as smooth as possible. With Airclaim.com, your rights are always in the right hands.
Steps to Claim Compensation with Airclaim.com
To ensure that your claim process is smooth and efficient, follow these easy steps:
- Check Your Eligibility: Use our free online calculator to check your eligibility for compensation. All you need to do is input your flight details, and our tool will immediately tell you if you’re entitled to a claim and how much you could receive.
- Submit Your Claim: If you’re eligible for compensation, proceed to submit your claim using our simple online form. You’ll need to provide details about your flight and the inconvenience you experienced.
- We Handle the Rest: Once your claim is submitted, our team of experts will take over. We will contact the airline, represent you in all communications, and fight for your rights.
- Get Your Compensation: If your claim is successful, you will receive your compensation directly to your bank account. We operate on a “No Win, No Fee” policy, meaning you only pay us a commission if we successfully claim your compensation.
Your Rights During Extraordinary Circumstances
While ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are exceptions where the airline may not have to pay compensation, the ‘right to care’ obligations still stand. That means even if your flight is delayed due to bad weather or a strike, you’re still entitled to meals, refreshments, and potentially accommodation, depending on the length of the delay.
Claiming on Behalf of Others
It’s also important to note that you can submit a claim on behalf of other people, as long as you have their permission. This is particularly useful for families or groups travelling together.
Deadlines for Claiming Compensation
Under EU Regulation EC261/2004, you can submit a claim for flights going back as far as 6 years. However, the time limit can vary depending on the country the airline is based in.
Remember, asserting your rights as a passenger is key to a fair and just travel experience. It might seem intimidating, but that’s why we’re here to help. At Airclaim.com, we strive to make the process as easy and hassle-free as possible for you.
Don’t let a delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight ruin your journey. Know your rights, claim your compensation, and rest assured that with Airclaim.com, you are always covered. Fly with confidence, knowing that we’re here to ensure your rights are always upheld.
