AirHelp, the travel tech company supporting passengers with flight disruptions, has announced the launch of its new Air Passenger Rights Guide, which aims to educate and inform passengers about their rights when travelling. With research highlighting that 85% of passengers don’t know their rights, AirHelp has created a clear and easy guide, which breaks down the world’s major regulations and answers passengers’ most common questions.
The latest guide provides an overview of what passengers are entitled to when flights are delayed or cancelled, including food and drink, accommodation or an alternative flight, as well as financial compensation. This year’s Air Passengers Rights Guide includes more laws, with the addition of Saudi Arabia, as well as a checklist to help passengers know when it’s worth checking for compensation. AirHelp has also built an online version of the guide for the first time. This streamlined, interactive version makes it easier for passengers to navigate and find the information that they are looking for.
For passengers in Ireland, the Europe EC 261 applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, plus flights landing in the EU on an EU airline. Under this law, passengers are entitled to up to €600 when facing delays over three hours, cancellations or schedule changes less than 14 days before departure, denied boarding caused by overbooking, and missed connections causing three-hour delays upon arrival. It’s important to note that passengers are not able to claim compensation when disruptions are caused by extraordinary circumstances.
In terms of care, Irish passengers are entitled to alternative flights or a full refund in all cases of denied boarding, cancellation or missed connection, as well as accommodation for overnight delays. Passengers must also be informed of their rights, with the ability to make two phone calls, fax messages or emails, and be given food or drink after a few hours. Furthermore, in the case of an airline downgrading passengers, they should be reimbursed up to 75% of the original ticket price.
With several strikes set to take place in the UK and Europe this summer, this year’s guide includes guidance for passengers, clarifying what compensation they are entitled to when airlines are responsible for the disruptions. Passengers also have the right to care, including food and drink or accommodation, as well as a replacement flight when theirs have been disrupted.
In addition, AirHelp’s guide provides advice for passengers whose bags get lost or damaged when travelling. Airlines are typically liable under the Montreal Convention, which covers luggage rights on international flights between 140 countries. Airlines must repair, replace, or pay for any damage to luggage or its contents, but air passengers must submit their claim within seven days of arrival. For delayed luggage, passengers must submit claims within 21 days, and airlines must refund the cost of essential items until the bag is returned. If a bag is declared lost, airlines must pay the value of everything they lost, and passengers can submit claims within two years.
Find out more about AirHelp’s Air Passengers Rights Guide here.
