Does Technical Fault Fall Under Extraordinary Circumstances?
EC 261 is in place to hold airlines accountable to their own timetable. If they have a flight delay or cancellation, it can completely derail flights for days, causing a ripple effect across the entire continent. However, not all issues are under their control. These qualify as extraordinary circumstances. Does a technical fault qualify as an extraordinary circumstance? Here’s all you need to know. Key Takeaways EC 261 holds airlines accountable for flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, but it depends on whether the issue was within the airline's control or qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance. Whether a [...]
Is A Strike An Extraordinary Circumstance?
EC 261 holds airlines accountable if their passengers face avoidable delays and cancellations. However, the keyword is avoidable. If it’s outside of the airline’s control, this qualifies as extraordinary circumstances. There are different scenarios this term can apply to. Is a strike considered one? What exactly is an extraordinary circumstance while flying? The answers to these questions and more are below. Key Takeaways Passengers should be aware that EC 261 holds airlines accountable for avoidable delays and cancellations but considers circumstances outside the airline's control as extraordinary. This distinction is crucial when seeking compensation. Strikes can affect flights, [...]
What Time Did the Planes Hit on 9/11?
For many, if you ask them what they were doing on September 11, 2001, they can tell you in perfect detail, no matter how young or old they are. For many Americans, their lives changed with the terror attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. For the rest of the world, these attacks changed airport security, tightening up restrictions that had become lax over time. In fact, you can almost time it to the minute it happened. As soon as the planes hit, airports were shut down, and when they were re-opened, flying would never be the [...]
Is A Bird Strike An Extraordinary Circumstance?
Passengers love EC 261 because it provides additional compensation when there is an avoidable flight issue or delay. However, there’s something in the regulation that says if it qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance, the airline doesn’t need to pay out. This could be any number of things. Does a bird strike count? You’ll learn the answers to that and more below. Key Takeaways Bird strikes, while rare, are considered extraordinary circumstances under EC 261 due to their potential to jeopardize flight safety. Airlines prioritize passenger and crew safety, which is why they may not provide additional compensation when [...]
What Can You Not Bring on a Plane?
When you’re preparing for a trip, it’s important to know what you can and cannot bring on a plane, though the answer may vary if you’re checking a bag. Some items are always prohibited, so you’ll want to leave them at home lest you run the risk of getting them confiscated - or worse. You could face charges if you bring a prohibited item. So, what can you not bring on a plane? Key Takeaways There are certain items that are prohibited on planes, such as weapons, inflammable and explosive objects, and open liquor. It's important to be [...]
Air Traffic Control Extraordinary Circumstances?
EC 261 helps hold airlines accountable for flight issues that are within their control, but they have an out if something happens that they can’t control. These are called extraordinary circumstances, and they are not covered under EC 261, meaning if you face any of them, you will not get additional compensation. Do air traffic control strikes qualify as extraordinary circumstances? What are they really? The answers to these questions and more are below. Key Takeaways Extraordinary circumstances, such as air traffic control strikes, weather conditions, and security risks, are situations that airlines cannot control. Passengers should be [...]
Is Crew Sickness An Extraordinary Circumstance?
If you’re looking to claim compensation under EC 261, you’ll see a little exception that says that airlines are not liable for flight delays or cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances. But what does that mean? Does crew sickness count as extraordinary circumstances? Here’s everything you need to know. Key Takeaways Crew sickness does not qualify as an extraordinary circumstance under EC 261, meaning that airlines are responsible for flight delays or cancellations caused by crew illnesses. Passengers have rights under EC 261 for compensation when facing issues within the airline's control, such as scheduling errors, overbooking, staff strikes, [...]
What Are the Chances of a Plane Crashing?
The fear of flying is very common. After all, you’re high above the ground, and if there’s a problem, there’s a high likelihood that you wouldn’t survive. It’s no wonder you may be scared! Because of that, many people are left to wonder what are the chances of a plane crashing, and thankfully, the answer is it’s pretty low. In fact, the risk of being killed in a plane crash is about 1 in 11 million, which statistically is pretty safe. It’s actually among the safest ways to travel, especially when you compare it to car crash fatalities. [...]
How Long Do Airline Strikes Last?
Airline strikes can be stressful. There are many different unions that can strike and completely derail your travel plans. There are some strikes that are pre-planned, while others happen without notice. Airlike strikes can last a few hours or a few days. It depends on the strike and what’s outlined in the documentation. Here’s all you need to know about how long airline strikes last. Key Takeaways Airline strikes are organized by labor unions to address grievances related to pay, benefits, and working conditions. They can significantly disrupt travel plans and operations, as employees collectively cease work. The [...]