Air Austral: The essentials on passenger rights in the event of a delayed flight

Fill out the form and pocket up to 600 euros

Flight delays have never been fun for Air Austral passengers, but thanks to European regulation 261/2004 CE, they have become a little less bitter. Clearly, if their flight is delayed, they can claim compensation.

That’s it, the day of the flight has arrived, but for Air Austral passengers, this long-awaited day quickly turns into a test of patience. At the airport, faces crumble at the news of an unforeseen delay. The reasons vary: technical problems, adverse weather conditions or logistical complications. The boarding hall becomes the scene of an interminable wait.

Passengers, some on business trips, others on vacation, feel a mix of frustration and anxiety. Calls multiply, meetings are rescheduled, family reunions delayed. Families with children are desperate to keep them occupied, while other passengers frantically check their devices for up-to-date information.

Air Austral staff, aware of the situation, are working to provide real-time information and manage the growing unrest. Meal vouchers are distributed, and for those whose delays drag on, accommodation solutions are offered.

However, in this unbearable wait, passengers must not forget an equally important right: compensation in the event of flight delay. Under European Union regulations (if the flight departs from the EU) or other national and international laws, passengers have access to this right in the event of a significant delay (more than three hours).

How to calculate your compensation?

The calculation of the amount of compensation in the event of flight delays is based on a determined scale taking into account both the distance traveled and the duration of the delay displayed when the plane lands. For short distance flights, covering less than 1500 km, the maximum amount is generally set at 250 euros. For medium-distance flights, ranging from 1500 km to 3500 km, like most inter-European flights, passengers can claim compensation of up to 400 euros. Finally, for long journeys of more than 3,500 km, such as long-haul international flights, the ceiling rises to 600 euros.

 

Don’t miss your compensation: Fill out the form!

Plane delays due to extraordinary circumstances: What you need to know

The Air Compensation Act is an elaborate mechanism that aims to protect the rights of passengers experiencing travel delays, cancellations or other inconveniences. However, it also takes into account the reality that airlines may face exceptional circumstances beyond their control. This is where the notion of “force majeure” comes in.

Force majeure includes events such as natural disasters, unplanned strikes, major airport problems, and decisions by public authorities that may force an airline to cancel a flight or make last-minute changes. In such circumstances, air carriers including Air Austral are generally not required to compensate their passengers, since these situations are perceived as beyond their direct control.

Why entrust your claim to the experts?

Facing an airline alone to claim compensation for travel delays, cancellations or inconveniences can be a real challenge. Imagine yourself in the shoes of a passenger, tired, stressed, and impatient, having to face often imperturbable staff behind a counter, with sometimes opaque procedures and a multitude of complex rules.

Passengers often find themselves trapped in a mountain of paperwork, conflicting information and stretching deadlines. Airlines may be reluctant to admit liability and pay compensation, sometimes using complex legal language to justify their actions.

For many travelers, the best way to save time and provide peace of mind is to entrust the claim to airline compensation experts. These professionals are seasoned in the intricacies of complex regulations and are familiar with the tactics commonly employed by airlines to avoid paying compensation. By opting for their services, passengers can delegate the task of negotiating and monitoring their claim.

No upfront costs to bear

An additional reason to hire the services of airline compensation experts is that passengers only pay if their claim qualifies and they are awarded their right.