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How to get the most compensation when you are denied boarding?
Being denied boarding can be a frustrating experience for passengers, but you may be able to receive compensation under the EU's passenger rights regulation (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004). This regulation aims to protect the rights of passengers in the event of flight cancellation, delay or denied boarding, and establishes clear compensation standards. How can you ensure that you receive the maximum compensation when you encounter such a situation? Let’s find out.
Under regulations, passengers are entitled to compensation of between 250 and 600 euros for flight delays or being denied boarding.
Understand your rights as a passenger
Under EU passenger rights regulations, the amount of compensation a passenger is entitled to in certain circumstances is related to the distance of the flight. Depending on the location, passengers can receive different amounts of compensation from each incident. If the flight distance is less than 1,500 kilometers, passengers can receive 250 euros; if the distance is between 1,500 kilometers and 3,500 kilometers, they can receive 400 euros; and if the distance is more than 3,500 kilometers, passengers can receive 600 euros in compensation.
Denied boarding situations
When an airline has to deny boarding to certain passengers because it has oversold seats, it first has to find passengers who are willing to give up their seats. Airlines must provide compensation and assistance to passengers who are forced to be denied boarding.
Passengers who are denied boarding are entitled to cash compensation and the option to re-arrange their travel.
Flight Cancellations
If a flight is cancelled, passengers' rights are also protected. Under regulations, passengers have the right to choose to reschedule their flights or apply for a refund. Airlines must provide free meals and accommodation services to maintain passengers' basic needs as appropriate.
Flight Delays
Passengers should also be compensated in the event of flight delays. According to regulations, flights must be delayed for more than a certain amount of time. If the delay exceeds three hours, the passenger is entitled to appropriate compensation. In addition, passengers should be provided with necessary food and accommodation arrangements, especially in case of prolonged delays.
Passengers delayed for more than five hours are entitled to abandon their journey and request a full refund.
How to apply for compensation
If you are denied boarding, the first thing to do is to immediately collect the relevant flight documents and any records of communications with the airline. Look for the airline's passenger rights document and make sure you understand your rights. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can make a formal claim for compensation to the airline. Under regulations, airlines must respond to requests within a reasonable time.
Seek professional help
If you have difficulty communicating with the airline or feel confused about the compensation application process, you may consider seeking specialized legal assistance or using an online intermediary to assist you in applying for compensation. These agents usually offer a “no win, no fee” service, where they take a percentage of the compensation you receive and handle all the application and paperwork for you.
Future precautions
Before traveling, it is important to understand the airlines and the regulations. Maintaining a clear understanding of your rights can help you make the right decisions in difficult situations. As uncertainty increases, more and more attention is paid to protecting the rights of passengers.
We may all have experienced unexpected changes in flight plans. When it comes to obtaining reasonable compensation and support, can understanding your rights make future travel more secure?
