This is not necessarily surprising, but according to a recent survey on the subject, almost half of French passengers do not know their rights when it comes to air travel.
A small note on the topic…
The flight was delayed or cancelled
Sometimes we are a bit quick to forget, but France and the European Union still offer their nationals (and even others) some protection in many areas. Including air travel, where anyone can claim compensation when a flight is delayed, canceled or you are a victim of “overbooking”.
To this end, we remind you that if there is a delay for any reason, the applicable regulations state that this delay must be at least:
2 hours for a flight of 1500 km or less.
3 hours for a flight longer than 1,500 km within the European Union or for a flight between 1,500 and 3,500 km outside the EU.
4 hours on a flight longer than 3,500 km outside the EU.
With any additional compensation, other compensation or support:
€250 for a flight of 1,500 km or less.
€400 for a flight longer than 1,500 km in the European Union.
€400 for a flight between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
€600 for a flight longer than 3,500 km.
In addition, in the event of a cancellation, the airline is obliged to offer you a choice between:
- a refund of your ticket within seven days for the part that was not performed, but also for the part that was performed and is no longer necessary or…
- redirection to the final destination under comparable conditions.
The company must also cover your food and accommodation costs if you are rerouted the day after your first flight.
It should be noted that even for a delay, the company must compensate if it initially lasts at least five hours and the passenger therefore cancels his trip.
Please note that…
Compensation is not payable:
- if passengers are informed of the changes two weeks before the departure time.
- in case of a shorter delay, if they are offered a seat on another flight at a time close to the originally planned departure and arrival time.
- in case of extraordinary circumstances (weather conditions, security risks, strike outside the airline, etc.).
Lost or damaged luggage
As with flight delays or cancellations, there is European legislation that provides compensation of up to €1,330 in the event of loss, damage or late delivery.
- for damages : the claim must be made within seven days of taking over the luggage.
- for late receipt: the deadline is a maximum of 21 days. If you have had to purchase essential products due to the delay of your luggage, you can ask the airline for reimbursement after presenting the invoices.
- for lost luggage: a claim for original delay must be made within 21 days, followed by a declaration of loss as soon as possible after that period. Baggage will go from “delayed” to “lost”.
As in the case of flight problems, the airlines may not be held responsible if they took the luggage in case of delay “all reasonable measures to prevent damage or, if such measures could not be taken, to avoid delay in the delivery of the baggage”or if baggage is damaged or lost ” nature or natural defects of the baggage. »
> More information: www.economie.gouv.fr