What to do in case of flight cancellation?
In the event of a flight cancellation, the airline must offer you alternative transportation to your destination or refund the full ticket price. Additionally, in most cases, you are entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, provided the airline informed you of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure. During the waiting period, the airline has a duty of care: meals, drinks, and if necessary, a hotel stay with transfer must be provided. Document everything carefully — boarding passes, booking confirmations, and receipts for expenses. You can find our Passenger Rights Check in the travel tools.
Does the EU regulation also apply to low-cost airlines?
Yes, the EU Passenger Rights Regulation applies equally to all airlines — whether low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet or premium carriers like Lufthansa. What matters is not the airline but the airport: the regulation applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, as well as flights operated by an EU airline flying into the EU. The protection also applies to flights with layovers if the final destination is in the EU or the departure point is in the EU. The amount of compensation is the same, regardless of how much you paid for the ticket.
How long can I assert claims for flight problems?
In Germany, passenger rights claims expire after 3 years at the end of the year. So if your flight was delayed on March 15, 2024, you have until December 31, 2027, to claim your compensation. In other EU countries, different deadlines may apply — in the UK, for example, it is even 6 years. Important: The deadline starts from the day of the problematic flight, not from the booking date. Even older cases can still be profitable. We recommend asserting claims promptly, as the evidence is fresh and processing is easier.
What are extraordinary circumstances in flights?
Extraordinary circumstances are events that are outside the airline's control and for which no compensation needs to be paid. These include extreme weather (storm, volcanic ash), strikes by air traffic control (not by the airline's own employees!), security risks, and political instability. Technical defects generally do NOT count as extraordinary circumstances — the airline must properly maintain its aircraft. Staff shortages or delays due to previous flights are also not an excuse. Airlines often hastily claim extraordinary circumstances; have the case reviewed if in doubt.
Is a passenger rights portal worth it?
Passenger rights portals like Flightright handle the entire process for you — from correspondence with the airline to legal action in court. You only pay a commission (usually 20–35% of the compensation) in the event of success. This is particularly worthwhile if the airline does not pay voluntarily, which is common. The advantage: You bear no cost risk and do not have to deal with legal details. Alternatively, you can contact the airline directly — this saves the commission but requires persistence and patience. For complicated cases or if the airline is uncooperative, a portal is the better choice.
What to do in case of lost or damaged luggage?
Report the damage immediately at the airport at the Lost & Found counter and have a PIR certificate (Property Irregularity Report) issued — without this document, processing will be difficult. For delayed luggage, the airline must reimburse the costs for necessary essentials (clothing, toiletries), so keep all receipts. The maximum liability under the Montreal Convention is approximately €1,400. File a written complaint within 7 days for damage or 21 days for delay. A good travel insurance policy with baggage protection offers additional coverage.
