What steps need to be taken if the flight is delayed?
November 30, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Oliver Breitwieser
Dear lawyer,
My name is Björn Dietrich and I recently booked a trip during which my flight was significantly delayed. This has led to a multitude of inconveniences, both at the airport and for my entire travel itinerary. The delay caused me to miss important appointments and shorten my vacation time. Additionally, I had to incur additional costs for alternative transportation or accommodations.
My concern now is what steps I should take to receive appropriate compensation for the flight delay. I have already tried to contact the airline, but so far I have not received a satisfactory response. I wonder if there are other options available to protect my rights as a passenger and receive adequate compensation.
Could you please explain to me what steps I should take in such a situation? Are there specific laws or regulations that protect my rights as a passenger? What options do I have to receive appropriate compensation and who is responsible for providing it?
Thank you in advance for your help and support with this matter.
Sincerely,
Björn Dietrich
Dear Mr. Dietrich,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your flight delay and your search for appropriate compensation. As a travel law attorney, I can help you protect your rights as a passenger and guide you on what steps to take in such a situation.
First and foremost, it is important to know that your rights as a passenger in case of flight delays are protected by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation stipulates that passengers are entitled to compensation for flight delays of more than three hours. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. In your case, with important appointments missed and additional costs incurred, it is crucial that you assert your rights.
To claim your compensation, you should first contact the airline and submit your complaint in writing. Provide all relevant information, such as flight number, date of delay, and incurred costs. If the airline does not respond satisfactorily or rejects your claims, you can turn to the Public Transport Arbitration Board (SÖP). They can mediate disputes between passengers and airlines and reach a resolution.
If the Arbitration Board also does not find a satisfactory solution for you, you have the option to take legal action and consult a travel law attorney. An attorney can advocate for your claims in court and assist in securing your compensation.
Overall, it is important that you know your rights as a passenger and actively assert them. In cases of flight delays, you are entitled to appropriate compensation and should take all necessary steps to receive it.
I hope this information is helpful to you, and I am available to assist you further with your concerns.
Best regards,
Oliver Breitwieser
Travel Law Attorney
