Holidays are travel time, and Poles, going on vacation, are increasingly using air connections. However, not everything can be planned, and travelers sometimes meet unpleasant surprises, such as delayed or canceled flights. The Civil Aviation Office reminds of the rights of passengers in such situations.
In the event that the flight has been delayed, the carrier is obliged to:
– provide the passenger with meals and drinks adequate to the time of waiting;
-enable two telephone conversations, sending two messages by fax or e-mail;
– when the departure takes place the next day, the carrier is obliged to provide accommodation at the hotel (along with travel to the hotel and return transport to the airport);
– When the delay is over five hours and the passenger resigns from the flight, the carrier is obliged to return the amount due for the purchased ticket.
The passenger is entitled to monetary compensation (from 250 to 600 euros – depending on the length of the route), if as a result of this delay the passenger arrives at the destination of the journey at least three hours after the arrival time originally provided by the air carrier. These compensation is not available if the flight has been delayed for reasons beyond the control of the carrier (e.g. bad weather conditions).
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Lot canceled. What to do? Refund and compensation
In the event that the flight is canceled, The passenger has the right to a refund (within seven days) of the full cost of the ticket or a change in the travel plan.
If the passenger was not informed on time (up to 14 days before departure) about the dismissal of the flight or was notified in the shorter period and the carrier at the same time did not offer him an alternative flight at the time specified by the relevant provisions, he is entitled to monetary compensation (from 250 to 600 euros – depending on the length of the route). These compensation is not available if the flight has been canceled for reasons beyond the control of the carrier (e.g. bad weather conditions).
The line refuses to board
In the event that the airline refuses the passenger to board the aircraft, he is entitled to compensation (from 250 to 600 euros – depending on the length of the route) and a refund (within seven days) of the full cost of the ticket or a change of travel plan.
The carrier is also obliged to take care of the passenger, i.e.
– provide him with meals and drinks adequate to the time of waiting;
-enable two telephone conversations, sending two messages by fax or e-mail;
– When the departure takes place the next day, the carrier is required to provide accommodation in the hotel (along with travel to the hotel and return transport to the airport).
The airline breaks the rules. What to do?
If the carrier has not fulfilled his duties, it is necessary to submit a complaint with reference to the European Union Regulation No. 261/2004/EC of February 11, 2004 – advises the Civil Aviation Office.
If the airline has not answered or its answer is not satisfactory for the passenger, he may complain to the Commission for the Protection of Passengers of the Civil Aviation Office. The complaint sent to the Commission should be attached:
– a copy of the complaint addressed to the carrier,
– a copy of the response given by the carrier to the complaint,
– A copy of the booking confirmation to a given flight.
Source: ulc.gov.pl
