Holidays
Flying somewhere this summer? Get the best service by finding out your rights first.
It’s not enough that the EU has passed a law to protect air passengers 
, you still have to know your rights to be able to claim them.
Airlines often don’t inform passengers about their rights when flights are disrupted, even though obliged to do so by European law – so it is up to you to stay informed and claim what you are entitled to.
Denied boarding? Depending on flight distance and length of delay, you could be entitled to compensation ranging from €250 for flights under 1 500km to €600 for flights over 3 500km.
Facing long delays? If you are delayed for more than five hours and decide not to travel, you can ask for a refund.
Cancelled flight? Unless you were informed 14 days before the flight, you are entitled to compensation.
Other assistance? If you are denied boarding or your flight is cancelled or delayed, you may be entitled to help such as accommodation, refreshments, meals and access to communication.
While these are rights we can claim, safety is largely out of our hands. So, here too, the EU has stepped in. A blacklist has been drawn up, naming and shaming airlines found to be unsafe. These airlines have been banned or restricted within the EU. And you should be in no doubt who you’re travelling with. Under EU rules, you now have to be informed, as far in advance as possible, of the name and the identity of the airline operating your flight.
The nerve centre of aviation safety in Europe is located in Cologne and has three main tasks: drawing up air safety rules, certifying aeronautical products, such as the Airbus A-380, and ensuring EU countries are implementing European rules properly. Its overall aim is to bring all EU countries up to the highest level of air safety.
To accommodate the rise in air traffic – 60% more airlines in ten years – the EU’s SESAR project is developing a next‑generation air‑traffic management system, capable of ensuring the safety and fluidity of air transport worldwide over the next 30 years.
Lower airfares? The EU is keeping a close eye on airline mergers, to prevent possible abuses and price hikes by airlines, protecting the rights of millions of air passengers.
