Pointing out that 85% of passengers traveling by air are not aware of their flight rights, AirHelp experts answered the 10 most frequently asked questions about delays, cancellations, overbooking and missed connecting flights. AirHelp Experts said, “Worldwide, one in four flights experience a delay. For this reason, it is imperative that airline passengers know their rights.”
AirHelp experts warn that passengers are protected by regulations on passenger rights, regardless of which airline you fly with, and that in most cases the regulations of the region from which the aircraft departs, AirHelp experts draw attention to the fact that passengers who will claim from airline companies should gather evidence to support them. AirHelp experts said: “Request the airline to tell you the reason for the disruption. Store any SMS messages, emails or notifications that the airline sends you. Take a photo of any flyer or flight information boards that show the glitch you're experiencing. Note the time you arrived at the final destination. Keep your boarding pass (plus boarding passes for your alternate flights). Keep the receipt of everything you have to buy. Airlines may offer coupons or air miles instead of refunds or compensation. If you sign a waiver or accept a coupon, you may lose your right to compensation. Therefore, do not accept anything unless you are sure you have a fair deal.”
Here are 10 questions that airline passengers wonder the answer to:
1. What does it mean if the airline changes my flight plan?
For delayed or canceled flights, the airline may reschedule the flight to a different time or date than the original flight schedule you booked. As a passenger, you have the right to accept this new flight plan or request a refund. If you are notified of the new flight plan at the last minute, you may receive compensation in addition to a refund, depending on various factors.
2. Can I get compensation if I have a codeshare flight?
If your disrupted flight meets the criteria, you can receive compensation. Generally, if you have a codeshare flight, the responsibility to pay compensation lies with the airline operating the flight at the time of delay or cancellation. You can claim compensation if your connecting flights are part of the same booking and depart from the EU or belong to an airline in the EU. At the same time, the disruption must meet the compensation conditions.
3. How long do I have to claim compensation?
Your entitlement to flight compensation under most laws has a specific duration, so it applies to your claim. It is important to be aware that there may be different statute of limitations that may apply to your claim, as this will depend on where you are flying from and where the airline's head office is located.
4. Can I claim delay compensation or cancellation compensation if my flight is included in a holiday package?
Yes, you can claim this flight as long as it meets the required criteria. Airline companies are obliged to compensate their passengers; therefore the law applies even if the ticket is sold as part of a holiday package.
5. Can I get compensation for the flight I booked through an online travel agency?
Yes, it doesn't matter where you book your ticket from. All that matters is that it meets the compensation requirements. You can claim compensation for flights that are delayed by 3 hours or more, or canceled less than 14 days before the scheduled flight time. The airline must also be considered at fault for the malfunction.
6. Can I claim additional costs after delayed flights or flight cancellations? What can I claim for?
You can only claim for basic expenses incurred after a flight disruption. Examples include:
• Food and drink
• Hotel reservations
• Transportation tickets
You can claim up to 2 years for extra costs after experiencing a disruption. In case of long delays, the airline must always meet your needs such as meals and accommodation, transportation to and from the airport, and access to communication facilities. AirHelp Air members are also offered reimbursement assistance for expenses.
7. What happens to my hotel reservations if my flight is delayed or canceled?
If your flight is eligible for compensation under EC 261, you can receive compensation up to the TL equivalent of 600 Euros. If you need to stay at the hotel due to a disruption, you can request these expenses from the airline company. For this reason, we recommend that you keep your invoices. In addition, AirHelp Air members mandatory charges i
China reimbursement assistance is offered.
8. What should I do if my flight class has been downgraded on my alternate flight?
If your original flight was canceled and the airline downgraded your flight class on an alternative flight offered to you (e.g. from business to economy), you should receive a 30 percent to 75 percent refund of your original ticket price. Instead, if your flight class has been upgraded, the airline will not charge you extra for the upgrade.
9. Do I have to pay extra if my flight is delayed or canceled and the airline offers me an alternative flight departing during the peak season?
If the alternative flight offered by the airline is during peak season, you do not have to pay any additional fees. In some cases, you may even be eligible for compensation if the airline meets the requirements.
10. What can I do if I have a dispute with the airline?
If you have a dispute, you have several options: You can claim compensation disputes directly with the airline or initiate a claim with AirHelp. If they unfairly deny your claim, you can find out if you are eligible for compensation with AirHelp as we have independent data systems separate from the airline. In more challenging cases, we may need to turn the case over to our legal experts. If the airline refuses to pay the compensation you are entitled to, you may have to take it to court. If you initiate your claim with AirHelp, all legal procedures are handled on your behalf. AirHelp operates on a 'you don't pay if we don't win' principle, meaning you only pay the company if you get compensation.
About AirHelp
AirHelp is the world's largest airline passenger rights organization. Since its establishment in 2013, AirHelp has supported airline travelers in claiming compensation for delayed and canceled flights, as well as in case of refusal to fly. In addition, AirHelp is taking legal and political steps to further strengthen the rights of airline passengers worldwide.
To learn more about AirHelp:
