As Summer 2023 is well underway, it seems like we’re experiencing a repeat of Summer 2022. Passengers are boarding packed flights, and the departure screens are showing the all-too-familiar “delayed” and “canceled” notifications. However, those traveling on European airlines have reason to rejoice as things appear to be running smoothly. That’s because they are kindly and adequately protected by a flight delay protection ruling in European Union law known as EU 261.
The powerful clause has several lines assuring passengers that in a defined set of flight delays and cancelations, their time and money will be compensated by the airlines.
Say you are flying to Frankfurt from New York on Lufthansa, but the airline is missing some key crew members, and the flight takes off several hours later or the next day. Should that flight be on United Airlines, you would likely end up sleeping at the airport, wolfing down a fast-food sandwich, and hoping for the best. On the Lufthansa flight, you would probably be given meals and accommodations and likely be eligible to collect compensation for your troubles through EU 261.
Photo: Courtesy of Waldemar / Unsplash
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