FairPlane: Don't waive claims under the Air Passenger Rights Ordinance

In 2022, flight operations will pick up speed again after the years marked by Corona. Before the Corona Pandemic, arrival delays of more than three hours were usually the reason for trouble on air travel. In 2022, cancellation was the most common problem.

Numerous flights were canceled at short notice. The travelers were the ones who suffered. In the FairPlane overall view of problem flights in the period from January to November 2022, 50,38 percent of flights were canceled and 35,57 percent of flights were delayed by more than three hours. Missed connecting flights were 8,21 percent, diverted flights were 3,98 percent and overbooking was 1,85 percent.

Passenger rights and entitlements in the case of last-minute cancellations

If the airline notifies the passenger of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure, they may be entitled to compensation under the Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EU261/2004). The amount of the payment is between 250, 400 or 600 euros and depends on the length of the flight.

In addition to the compensation payment, the passenger affected by the cancellation is entitled to: reimbursement of ticket costs, alternative transport at the earliest possible time or a return flight to the first place of departure. If the airline does not offer an alternative transport under comparable travel conditions, you can book a replacement transport yourself. You should inform the airline in advance and document it. The cost of the replacement flight must be borne by the air carrier.

While waiting for a replacement flight, the airline must provide assistance: food, drinks, hotel accommodation, transportation to and from the airport. Affected passengers usually receive vouchers from the airline. If you have to pay for these expenses yourself, you can submit the expenses to the airline for reimbursement. Therefore, all receipts for additional expenses should be kept well.

FairPlane, the passenger rights portal, advises all affected passengers to assert these claims and not to waive compensation payments. The claim expires after three years. FairPlane has been active in Germany and Austria since 2011. The customer bears no process risk, this is taken over by FairPlane. A success commission will only be deducted from the amount paid out if enforcement is successful.