The EU regulations on delayed flights or cancelled flights have provided some form of relief to passengers over the years, knowing they can now get compensated for such disruptions. However, this doesn’t change the fact that it is still frustrating and further tampers with itinerary plans in the short and long run. There’s nothing much you can do to change the situation if your flight ever gets delayed or cancelled but these few tips can come in handy to make the best of the situation.
1. Contact the Airline
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you will have to contact the airline to know the next steps to take. Usually, there would be a queue at the airport to rebook the flight if it was cancelled at the last minute. However, while you wait, you can call the airline, as you have a better chance at reaching them faster over the phone. This is also the best time to find out why the flight was delayed or cancelled. If the reason for the flight disruption was within the airline’s control and could have been avoided, you may be entitled to compensation under the EU regulation 261/2004.
2. Ask for a Lounge Pass
A lounge pass gives you room to relax and refresh before a flight but if your flight has been delayed or cancelled, you can request the airline to give you a pass. This helps ensure you wait for your flight in comfort and you also have access to free WiFi, food and drinks, and a comfortable couch. You may be already entitled to this under the EC 261 law and all you have to do is exercise this right and do it nicely.
3. Get Booked into a Hotel
The EC 261 regulation ensures affected passengers in the case of a flight disruption can have access to free hotel bookings. If the delay or cancellation gets you stuck at the airport overnight, you should get booked into a hotel for free. Knowing your rights under the law makes it easier for you to exercise them comfortably.
4. Make a Decision
When an unexpected flight disruption occurs, it can be difficult to make a quick decision on the spot but you have to. Look at your flight options and move quickly, so you don’t run out of options, as a lot more other passengers will also want to rebook their flights. You can also wait for the airline to direct you on the next steps, especially if you’re not exactly in a rush.
Bottom Line
The EC regulation 261/2004 helps protect passengers if they ever have to deal with a flight disruption. So, if your trip starts from an EU airport or lands in one and the airline is headquartered in the EU, you can exercise your rights. Contact the airline to get started with the process or go through a lawyer or an agency for a seamless process.
