Flight delays and cancellations
While you are ready and waiting to go on vacation, this is when one of the worst travel problems can arise. Those flights you booked are delayed or even canceled until further notice. Meanwhile, not being able to fly on time messes up your hotel bookings and your arranged leave from work.
Even worse, the kids have only a few days left of their school break, which means this was the only time you could travel together.
Saved by EU regulation No. 261/2004
If you are heading to Europe, there is one thing many people in the EU don’t know themselves. Under EU regulation No. 261/2004, you are entitled to receive compensation for flight cancellations. The regulation was set by the EU Parliament and lays out the details of compensation and assistance for travelers whose flights have either been canceled or delayed.
However, EU261 doesn’t only protect passengers, it also holds airlines accountable for every flight disruption they cause. Moreover, it gives airlines a major incentive to improve their customer service.
In what situations does EU261 apply?
Moreover, the regulation also applies where the flight did take off as planned but caused lengthy delays by landing at your destination more than three hours late.
Lost baggage while traveling to Europe
According to travel experts, approximately 85 percent of lost baggage does eventually find its way back to its owner. However, there is that dreaded 15 percent that doesn’t. According to the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the airline has 21 days to find your baggage and return it safely to you. Due to this, as long as you report the lost bag in time, you can receive compensation from the airline.
Meanwhile, there are a couple of things you can do to help your baggage travel safely with you. Make sure the suitcase is firmly locked and clearly labeled with your name and flight number. However, should nothing help, ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover the loss of your baggage and its contents.
Happy travels in Europe this year and we hope that everything runs smoothly for you. However, if things do go wrong, at least you are aware of what can be done.
[…] Meanwhile, even though it is typically more expensive to fly into Lisbon, there are still roundtrip flights for less than $500 if you look […]