EC261 vs UK261 Comparison: What’s The Difference?
As travel becomes increasingly global, understanding your rights as a passenger is crucial. If you're regularly jet-setting between the UK and the EU, you might wonder what the differences are between the EC261 and UK261 regulations. In this guide, we’ll dissect these two crucial regulations, highlighting their key differences and what they mean for you as an air traveller. Check Your Compensation EC261 vs UK261 - What is The Difference? EC261 is short for European Commission Regulation No. 261/2004, also called EU261. EC261 is the original set of regulations developed by the EU to protect airline [...]
Do Delayed Flights Ever Leave Early?
Delays happen when you’re flying for any number of reasons, including ones that are within the airline’s control and those that are due to extraordinary circumstances. If you’re faced with a delay, you may be given a new estimated departure time, but what happens if the conditions clear up? Could your delayed flight leave early? The answers to that and more are below. Key Takeaways Flight delays can be unpredictable, and in some cases, flights may depart earlier than initially expected. It's wise to stay close to the airport if you're facing a delay to ensure you don't [...]
Does An Airline Have To Prove Extraordinary Circumstances?
Flight disruptions can cause a ripple effect, not just in personal plans but in airports across the world. That’s why EC 261 is in place. It holds airlines accountable for avoidable delays and cancellations, making them pay out when they are at fault. But what if they aren’t at fault? Here’s everything you need to know about extraordinary circumstances and if an airline has to prove them. Key Takeaways Airlines are required to prove that extraordinary circumstances beyond their control caused flight disruptions. They can't simply claim it without evidence, emphasizing the importance of accountability. Passengers also bear [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]