Many travelers are unaware that in Europe, and on many international flights connected to it, a powerful piece of legislation exists to protect them. We put together this ultimate guide to EU261 to help navigate your rights to compensation for disrupted flights.
Flight delays, cancellations, and overbookings are governed by complex regulations. This very basic guide clarifies passenger rights under EC261 and UK261, ensuring awareness of entitlements even if airlines fail to communicate them.
Europe’s EC261 regulation compensates passengers for delays but incentivizes airlines to leave baggage behind to avoid payouts. This unintended consequence increases inconvenience and logistical costs, highlighting the need for regulatory revisions.
Five major airlines are accused of denying compensation to 200,000 delayed passengers, violating EU law. The CAA warns they must comply or face legal action.
Over 2.4 million UK passengers faced flight cancellations in early 2024—nearly triple last year’s figure. Strikes, IT failures, and geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt travel.
Flight delays can disrupt travel plans, and certain airports are more prone to delays than others. Certain airports, like Chicago O’Hare and London Heathrow, are notorious for delays due to high traffic and weather. Knowing which hubs to avoid during peak times can help travelers plan for smoother journeys
An ongoing shortage of aviation personnel may lead to flight delays and cancellations for up to a decade in the USA, according to recent investigations. A federal review is underway to address the repeated delays and cancellations plaguing the industry.
A massive IT outage has thrown air travel into disarray across multiple continents, impacting thousands of flights, stranding passengers, and causing widespread delays. Major airports and airlines throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia reported issues with check-in systems, boarding processes, and flight scheduling as they scrambled to handle the fallout.
Experts warn that high heat affects aircraft performance, reducing engine thrust and lift. To cope, airlines may reduce passenger loads, reroute flights, or add layovers, all of which could disrupt travel plans. With record temperatures becoming more frequent, understanding these impacts can help travelers prepare for potential schedule changes.