Delays, cancellations, missed connections, and luggage that meet you on arrival – there are so many reasons that can hamper an otherwise seamless travel experience.
When your plans go sideways, though, you may be eligible for monetary compensation, and so it’s always good to be informed of your rights as an air passenger.
This article will outline EC Regulation 261/2004, commonly referred to as EU261, which offers you rights and protections as an air passenger when travelling to, from, or within the European Union.
What Is EU261?
EU261 is legislation that was passed in 2004 that covers how airlines must compensate passengers for delays or cancellations for flights within, to, or from the European Union. It also outlines standards of treatment for anyone whose flight plans have been affected through no fault of their own.
You’re covered by EU261 if you are travelling from a European Union airport on any airline, or if you are travelling to Europe on an airline based in the European Union.
Switzerland and Norway are not EU member states, but due to bilateral agreements with the EU, EU261 applies to flights to/from these countries.
So, if you’re travelling on an Air Canada flight from Paris to Toronto, you are covered by EU261, as you are departing from the European Union on any carrier.
If you’re travelling from Toronto to Paris on an Air Canada flight, you aren’t covered by EU261 (but you are covered by the APPR and the Montreal Convention), as Air Canada is not a European Union-based airline.
Meanwhile, if you are travelling from Toronto to Lisbon on TAP Air Portugal, then you are covered by EU261, since TAP Air Portugal is a European Union-based carrier.
Further, in order to be eligible for any compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation, checked-in to your flight on time, and not be on any sort of airline employee discounts (e.g., stand-by travel) not available to the general public. Flights booked on loyalty programs are covered by EU261.
If you have met all of the eligibility requirements, you are eligible for compensation in the event of a delay or cancellation.
Flight Disruptions
If you’re delayed in getting to your final destination, or if you flight is outright cancelled, you may be entitled to financial compensation under EU261.
When does EU261 compensation apply?
Similar to Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, there is a laundry list of…
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