Canceled flight : Understanding the right to compensation for impacted passengers

On the day of the flight, passengers arrive at the airport and prepare to board their plane. Travelers crowd the departure lounge, suitcases in hand, discussing their exotic destinations and upcoming adventures. The display screens flash with flight information, announcing that everything is in order. However, suddenly, a murmur of worry begins to spread among the crowd. News spreads like wildfire: their flight is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

A canceled flight means that all the carefully prepared plans are now on hold. Travelers face an unforeseen situation, looking for alternatives so as not to let their enthusiasm completely dissipate. Some start calling their airlines to rearrange their trip, while others try to find replacement flights or explore other transportation options.

Passenger rights take on crucial importance in a situation where a flight is canceled. Airlines have an obligation to provide adequate assistance to passengers. This includes providing information on available options, providing refreshments, meals, accommodation if necessary, as well as being able to make phone calls to rearrange their plans.

Additionally, passengers have the right to be rerouted to their final destination as soon as possible. This can be done by offering an alternative flight on the same airline or with another carrier, depending on availability.

When a passenger, after a delay of five hours, decides not to opt for the offer of an alternative flight and prefers to cancel his trip, he is entitled to request a full refund of the cost of his ticket.

Other rights : Compensation for a canceled flight

It is regrettable to note that many passengers are unaware that the cancellation of a flight may entitle them to compensation.

This lack of awareness of passenger rights can cause significant inconvenience for travelers. Indeed, the absence of information on this possibility can leave passengers without recourse in the face of flight delays or cancellations, thus depriving them of compensation to which they could be entitled under the applicable regulations.

How much does compensation actually cost ?

Several factors come into play to determine its amount. Firstly, the distance of the flight plays a fundamental role in this calculation, with different compensations for short, medium or long-haul flights. In addition, the duration of the delay or cancellation is a major element, because the longer the waiting time, the more substantial the compensation can be. To better understand these amounts, here is a brief explanation:

250 euros : This is the minimum amount of compensation for short flights, generally those of less than 1500 kilometers

400 euros : For medium-haul flights, i.e. those whose distance is between 1500 and 3500 kilometers

600 euros : For long-haul flights, exceeding 3,500 kilometers

Furthermore, the liability of the airline is a crucial factor, because if the cancellation arises from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, the compensation may be voided.

Indeed, the liability of the airline plays a decisive role in determining eligibility for compensation. Extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the airline are generally unusual situations such as:

– Severe weather conditions : Storms, severe thunderstorms or dangerous weather conditions that are behind the cancellation of the flight.

– Unpredictable strikes : Strikes by airport staff and air traffic control technicians.

– Decisions of public authorities : Such as the temporary closure of airspace due to a national emergency (For example: due to an epidemic or pandemic).

Other elements may influence eligibility for compensation in the event of flight cancellation, notably the nationality of the operating airline. According to European Regulation 261/2004, When the carrier is registered in a member country of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), it is generally required to comply with these regulations, regardless of the flight route.

However, if the flight is operated by a non-EU airline, passenger rights are generally only applicable if the flight is expected to depart from an airport located in the EU.