Air Passenger Rights in UK and EU You Should Know
Air passenger rights in the UK and EU are protected by various regulations. In the European Union (EU), Regulation EC 261/2004 sets out the rights of air passengers and establishes rules for compensation and assistance in cases of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding due to overbooking.
In the UK, after its departure from the EU, similar air passenger rights are covered by the UK's own regulations. These regulations include the Air Passenger Rights (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which retained many of the provisions of EU Regulation 261/2004 in UK law to ensure that passengers in the UK continue to have similar protections.
Therefore, in both the UK and the EU, air passenger rights are protected by regulations that provide compensation and assistance to passengers in situations like flight delays, cancellations, and overbooking.
When do the British and European regulations that ensure the protection of my air passenger rights apply?
European and British regulations safeguard your air passenger rights solely when:
Your flight was operated by a European airline
OR
Your flight was operated by a non-European airline BUT you departed from the UK or an EU country
EC 261 Compensation for Disrupted Flights
Travelers often do not understand that in many instances, airlines are legally and financially responsible for flight issues, not the passenger.
Depending on your flight, flight scenario, and ultimate destination, understanding passenger rights and filing for EU airline compensation can mean up to £520/€600 per person in reimbursements.
To make an EU 261 claim, we can assist with our staff of legal experts to iron out the finer details and legal jargon.
Denied boarding
Flight cancellation
Long delay of flights (three or more hours)
The amount of compensation passengers are entitled to depends on a lot of factors including the distance travelled and the amount of time you are delayed reaching your final destination.
EU Airline Compensation – Which Flights are Covered by EC 261?
Most European flights are covered, as well as well as some international flights. If your flight departs from an airport in the EU, it’s covered. If your flight departs from elsewhere but your destination is in the EU, coverage depends on the airline ⎯ if it’s a European carrier, you’re covered.
If you’re confused, here’s a simple chart to help:
| Itinerary | EU Air Carrier | Non-EU Air Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| From Inside The EU To Inside The EU |
Covered |
Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU |
Covered |
Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU |
Covered |
 Not Covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU |
Not Covered |
Not Covered |
In some cases, disrupted flights outside the EU may be eligible under EC 261 if they connect to a covered flight that is with the same carrier and part of the same flight reservation (under one booking reference number). The easiest way to find out if you’re covered is to use the Jet Delayed eligibility check.
Your Rights in Case of Flight Delays
1. Right to Information: If your flight is delayed, the airline must provide you with clear and timely information about the delay, including its cause and estimated duration.
2. Right to Care: In case of a significant delay, the airline is usually required to offer you appropriate assistance, which may include meals, refreshments, accommodation, and transportation between the airport and the accommodation.
3. Right to Compensation: Depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the inconvenience caused.
Millions of Passengers
Can Claim up to £520/€600 from the airline
We are here to help you!
£220/€250
Up to 1500 km
£350/€400
From 1500 km to 3000 km
£520/€600
From 3000 km to 4500 km
Air passenger rights pertaining to cancelled flights: Secure flight compensation and ticket reimbursement
When your flight gets cancelled, air passenger rights entitle travellers to seek flight compensation, a refund for their ticket, or both under certain circumstances.
Cancellation of a flight – entitlement to flight compensation You can invoke your air passenger rights to claim flight compensation when your flight is cancelled, provided that:
- The flight cancellation occurred within 14 days prior to the scheduled departure AND
- The airline bears responsibility for the cancellation.
| Cancellation notice | Alterbative flight | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer then 7 days in advance | Departs 1h+ earlier or arrives 2h+ later |
|
| 7-14 days in advance | Departs 2h+ earlier or arrives 4h+ later |
|
| Fewer then 14 days in advance | No alternative flight offered |
|
Stay Informed, Exercise Your Rights
Being informed about your air passenger rights is crucial to ensuring a smooth travel experience. Familiarize yourself with the regulations that apply to your region and the specific airline you're flying with. Remember that these rights are in place to protect you and ensure you receive fair treatment when disruptions occur during your journey.
If you have more questions about your air passenger rights or need assistance with a specific situation, feel free to contact us, Our team is here to help.