Articles

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]