Easter holidays: Chaos at airports looms – Air travellers have these rights in the event of flight problems

The Easter holidays may be over, but the impact on the travel industry can still be felt – and the next holidays are coming sooner than expected. During this time, many travellers have to deal with flight delays and cancellations, which can lead to chaos at airports. Even after the holidays, unforeseen events such as bad weather, technical problems or strikes can still affect air travel. In this article, we look at what rights air travellers have in the event of such flight problems and how they can best protect themselves to minimise the negative impact on their trip.

Air travellers have these rights in the event of flight problems during the Easter holidays

During the Easter holidays, flight problems such as delays and cancellations can occur due to increased travel volume and unpredictable weather conditions in March and April. But air travellers are not helpless.

According to air passenger rights, passengers have clear rights if their flight is disrupted. In the event of delays of more than three hours, for example, they are entitled to compensation payments. In the event of a cancellation, airlines must offer passengers alternative transport options or refund the ticket price. In addition, air travellers should know that they are also entitled to meals, communication options and, if necessary, hotel accommodation in the event of flight problems. It is important that passengers know their rights and take action in the event of flight problems in order to receive appropriate compensation.

What rights do air travellers have in the event of flight delays during the Easter holidays?

Air travellers also enjoy certain rights during the Easter holidays, especially in the event of flight delays. According to UK air passenger rights, passengers are entitled to compensation payments in the event of delays of more than three hours. This compensation amount can vary depending on the route and the length of the delay, but is between 220 and 520 pounds per person. It is important to note that these compensation payments are independent of the ticket price and can serve as financial compensation for the inconvenience and any additional costs caused by the flight delay.

Easter holidays: Flight delayed – what can I do?

In the event of a flight delay during the Easter holidays, passengers can proactively take the following steps:

• Find out about the expected duration of the delay.
• Contact the airline for alternative flight options.
• Check your rights under UK passenger rights and claim compensation if necessary.
• Document the delay and all relevant communications.
• Request catering and accommodation in the event of long delays.
• Remain calm and patient while you wait for further information.

What flight delays are eligible for compensation?

UK air travellers are entitled to compensation for delays of more than three hours. According to UK air passenger rights, passengers can receive compensation of between 220 and 520 pounds per person.

Passengers are also entitled to compensation for missed connecting flights due to a delayed flight. According to UK passenger rights, passengers have the right to alternative transport or a refund of the ticket price if the connecting flight is missed due to the delay of the previous flight.

Short distance up to 1500 km	Medium distance up to 3500 km	Long distance from 3500 km
e.g. London – Edinburgh	e.g. London – Athens	e.g. London – Tokyo
£220	£350	£520

What rights do I have in the event of a cancellation during the Easter holidays?

In the event of a flight cancellation, passengers are entitled to compensation payments under certain circumstances in accordance with the UK261 Regulation. These rights apply regardless of whether the trip was booked individually or as a package holiday. The amount of compensation depends on the flight route and the duration of the delay on arrival at the final destination. For flights of up to 1,500 kilometres, the compensation is normally 220 pounds. For flights within the EU of more than 1,500 kilometres and for all other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, the compensation is 350 pounds. For flights over 3,500 kilometres outside the EU, the compensation is 520 pounds.

However, there is an exception to the compensation obligation if the airline can prove that the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. In such cases, the airline can be exempted from the obligation to pay compensation. This may be the case, for example, in the event of natural disasters, political unrest or security risks.

In addition, there is a rule that if the airlines are notified of a cancellation less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, they are automatically obliged to pay compensation.

Easter holidays: Flight cancelled – how can I secure my compensation?

If your flight is cancelled during the Easter holidays, it is important to secure your compensation. According to UK261 Regulation, air travellers are entitled to compensation for flight cancellations at Easter, provided the cancellation is not due to extraordinary circumstances. To secure your compensation, you should take the following steps:

• Find out about your rights as a passenger and check whether your flight cancellation is covered by the compensation regulations.
• Contact the airline and request written confirmation of the flight cancellation.
• Document all relevant information, including the flight details, the airline’s communications and any additional costs you incur.
• Assert your claim for compensation. You can use services such as Flightright to help you assert your claims efficiently. Flightright offers expert legal support to ensure that you receive your compensation payment.
• Remain patient and persistent to ensure your compensation is processed appropriately and promptly.

By following these steps and relying on Flightright for expert assistance when needed, you can secure your compensation and ensure that you are properly compensated for the inconvenience caused by the flight cancellation.

What rights do I have in the event of an airline strike?

In the event of a strike, such as the Lufthansa ground staff strike, air travellers can make claims under certain circumstances. According to UK261 Regulation, passengers are entitled to alternative transport, reimbursement of the ticket price or compensation payments if their flight is cancelled or significantly delayed due to the strike and this is not due to extraordinary circumstances.

However, a strike is usually considered an extraordinary circumstance, which means that the airline may be exempt from the obligation to pay compensation. It is important to note that the exact claims and conditions may vary depending on the circumstances of the strike and the applicable laws.

What rights do I have if there is a strike at the airport?

In the event of a strike at the airport, air travellers are entitled to alternative transport or a refund of the ticket price. If necessary, compensation payments can also be claimed, provided the strike is not considered an extraordinary circumstance.

When is there no entitlement to compensation?

There is no entitlement to compensation payments if the flight cancellation or delay is due to extraordinary circumstances, which may include strikes. Strikes by airport staff or airlines can also be considered extraordinary circumstances if they are unforeseeable and cannot be controlled by the airline. In such cases, airlines are exempt from the obligation to pay compensation.

What rights do air travellers have for package holidays

Regardless of whether you want to enjoy an active holiday in the countryside or the sunshine in Egypt, both holiday options can be booked wonderfully with a package holiday. This usually saves a lot of time and planning. But what rights do you have if the airline cancels your flight at short notice?

In the case of cancelled package holidays, you have clear rights that protect you. In such cases, you are entitled to a full refund for both the hotel and the flight. It is important to emphasise that you are not obliged to accept vouchers.

Instead, you can insist on a full refund of the price of the holiday. This measure safeguards your financial interest and ensures that you are not liable for the unexpected cancellation of your package holiday.

How can Flightright help you?

Are you stuck at the airport due to a flight delay? Your flight has been cancelled or you have been removed from the passenger list (denied boarding)?

In each of the situations described, you as a passenger have a right to compensation.

According to the UK261 Legislation, passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation, overbooking, or missed connection. They can receive up to £520 compensation per person (minus the success commission). This compensation is independent of the ticket price. Flightright enforces your right for you. If necessary also in court.

Tip: Flightright helps you to enforce your passenger rights! With us, you can check your claims free of charge in two minutes. ✔️Easy, ✔️fast ✔️& without risk

As the market-leading consumer portal, Flightright fights for the enforcement of air passenger rights. We stand up for your rights in the event of a flight delay, cancellation or denied boarding and refer to the UK261 Regulation. Flightright’s air passenger rights experts are also happy to help you with ticket refunds and refunds for cancelled package holidays.

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