What passenger rights are covered under the EC261 Regulation?
EC Regulation 261/2004 protects passengers who have tickets and booking confirmations when flying from or to a European airport.
This rule applies to all travellers, whether they are on package holidays, using low-cost airlines, or travelling for business. It safeguards passengers from problems like flight delays, cancellations, or being denied boarding a flight, providing compensation of up to €600 for each person in certain situations. Additionally, if you face long waits at the airport, you have the right to care from the airline.
What Is EC261 Regulation?
The EC261 Regulation is a law in the European Union that defines the rights of air passengers when flights are disrupted (delayed, cancelled, and overbooked). It was established to safeguard the interests of travellers and ensure they are treated fairly by airlines.
Because of this law, if you experience issues with your flight in certain situations you may be entitled to compensation for your disrupted flight.
The amount of compensation varies based on the distance of the flight.
Does EC261 still apply in the UK? Yes, it does.
Eligibility Criteria for Air France Flight Compensation
With Air France, the rules apply to all flights that take off from a European airport or land at a European airport. For airlines registered outside of Europe, the same rules only apply when the flight is leaving from a European airport.
Don’t forget that you need to have a confirmed booking and check in on time.
You can receive flight compensation from Air France if:
- Your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours.
- Your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before your departure date.
- Your flight is oversold, and you are not allowed to board.
Keep in mind that the disruption must be the airline’s fault.
In this situation, it doesn’t matter if you’re a European citizen or not – you are still entitled to compensation from Air France. The price of your ticket also doesn’t affect your eligibility.
Read more: Common Misconceptions About Regulation EC No 261/2004
How Much Is Flight Compensation? (According to EC261 Regulation)
The amount of compensation that you could receive depends on the length of your flight.
The following list outlines the different levels of compensation according to the EC261 regulation:
– For flights up to 1500 kilometres: €250
– For flights between 1500 and 3500 kilometres: €400
– For flights over 3500 kilometres: €600
In addition to this base compensation amount, you may also be able to claim for any additional expenses incurred due to the flight disruption, such as overnight accommodations or alternate transportation costs. However, these expenses must be reasonable and directly related to the flight delay or cancellation.
The amounts are the same for all passengers (including infants).
To start your compensation claim process, please use our claim form. A team of experts will review your information and determine if you are eligible for compensation under EC261 regulations.
Read more: How to Claim Air France Compensation?
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Air Passenger Rights in Case of Air France Flight Delay
Passengers experiencing flight delays have rights under EU Regulation 261/2004.
These rights include being informed about the delay, receiving complimentary meals and refreshments based on the duration of the delay, and having access to communication facilities.
In cases of extended delays, you might qualify for complimentary accommodation.
Short Flight Delay vs. Long Flight Delay
For delays exceeding three hours, passengers have a right to care, which includes meals and refreshments, access to communication, and accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary.
Passengers may be eligible for flight delay compensation if their delays exceed three hours, depending on the specific circumstances of the situation.
You can receive compensation if your Air France flight arrives more than three hours late due to factors within the airline’s control, such as mechanical issues or staffing issues (including Air France staff strikes).
Delays shorter than three hours are classified as short delays. In such instances, there are no defined regulations regarding the provisions the airline is required to provide to its passengers.
Rights of Passengers in Case of Air France Flight Cancellation
In the case of flight cancellations, passengers are entitled to either reimbursement or rerouting (meaning – a new flight option).
You can choose the option that works best for you.
- A complete refund from Air France will be credited to your bank account.
- Alternate flights to your destination (Air France or another carrier).
You also have the right to compensation for flight cancellation unless the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances (situations outside the airline’s control).
Flight Cancellation Refund vs Cancellation Compensation
These are two distinct things.
You are entitled to a refund every time an airline cancels a flight.
You can opt for either a refund or an alternative flight.
In some cases, you may also be entitled to flight cancellation compensation. You can claim compensation from Air France if the flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure and is attributable to the airline’s responsibility (technical issues, staffing problems).
- You can choose to receive a refund.
- AND also receive compensation if the flight meets the qualifications.
Rights of Passengers in Case of Air France Overbooking/Denied Boarding
Passengers who are not allowed to board due to overbooking have the right to:
- A new flight or a complete refund.
- Compensation for denied boarding (if you did not volunteer to give up your seat).
- Immediate compensation (if you agree to volunteer and Air France provides immediate compensation to volunteers).
If you decide to volunteer your seat, you lose your right to European denied boarding compensation. However, if you do not agree to volunteer and are still denied boarding, you are entitled to receive European denied boarding compensation.
You Have a Right to Care From Air France
In all these situations, you also have a right to care from Air France.
You are entitled to this right if your flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Anytime you have to wait at the airport due to flight disruption, you have this right.
- If the wait is three hours or more, you are entitled to meals and refreshments as well as communication access (this can include email, phone calls, or internet).
- If the wait extends overnight, you have the right to complimentary hotel accommodation.
Is Air France Covered by EU Regulation 261/2004?
Yes, Air France flights are covered by EC261 Regulation.
As a European airline, Air France is subject to these regulations.
For non-European airlines, these regulations only apply to flights leaving from European airports. For example, if you fly with American Airlines, you have these rights only on flights that depart from European countries.
Read more: Key Differences Between the Montreal Convention and EC261
Have more questions about your rights as an air passenger in Europe? Feel free to ask in the comments!