AI Flight Refunds: Get Your Compensation Fast and Hassle-Free with Advanced Technology (Get started for free)
What are my rights under EU UK 261 if my connecting flight gets canceled?
Even if your connecting flight is canceled, you are still entitled to compensation under EU261/UK261 if the total journey distance and delay upon arrival criteria are met.
The compensation amount can range from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay.
If your connecting flight is canceled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, the airline is responsible for providing you with meals, refreshments, and accommodation if an overnight stay is required.
Under EU261/UK261, airlines have a "duty of care" to assist passengers in the event of a flight cancellation, including rebooking on the next available flight.
If you booked your connecting flights separately, the rules may be more complex, and you may need to file claims directly with each airline.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that passengers are entitled to compensation even if their flight departs more than an hour earlier than the original scheduled departure time, as this is considered a "cancellation" under the regulations.
The time threshold for compensation due to flight delays varies based on the distance of the flight, with shorter flights having a lower delay requirement than longer flights.
Passengers can claim compensation under EU261/UK261 even if the flight was operated by a non-EU/UK airline, as long as the flight departed from an EU/UK airport.
Airlines can only avoid paying compensation if the cancellation was due to "extraordinary circumstances," such as severe weather or air traffic control issues, which were beyond their control.
Passengers have up to six years to file a claim for compensation under EU261/UK261, depending on the country's statute of limitations.
The UK government has incorporated EU261 into UK law as Regulation UK261, ensuring continued passenger rights protections after Brexit.
Airlines are required to inform passengers of their rights under EU261/UK261 and provide them with the necessary claim forms and instructions.
Passengers can submit their compensation claims directly to the airline, and if the claim is denied, they can take the case to an alternative dispute resolution service or small claims court.
The EU261/UK261 regulations apply to all flights, including those booked through travel agencies or online booking platforms.
Airlines must provide a written explanation for any denied compensation claims, which can be used to appeal the decision.
Passengers can claim compensation for both the canceled connecting flight and the entire journey, as long as the total delay upon arrival exceeds the time thresholds.
The regulations also cover instances of denied boarding and long flight delays, not just cancellations.
Passengers with reduced mobility or special needs have additional rights under EU261/UK261, including assistance during the journey.
Airlines must rebook passengers on the next available flight, even if it's with a different carrier, at no additional cost to the passenger.
The EU261/UK261 regulations are continuously being updated and interpreted by the courts, so it's essential for passengers to stay informed about their evolving rights.
AI Flight Refunds: Get Your Compensation Fast and Hassle-Free with Advanced Technology (Get started for free)