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Millions of air passengers travel each year, but a large number do not realise that there are air passenger rights to protect them while in transit. Air passenger rights involve specific laws that support travellers and advocate for compensation when people face flight disruptions caused by the airlines. Though the contours of the law vary from country to country, these types of rules are prevalent domestically and internationally (in the US, Europe, and beyond). In essence, if a person travels on an aircraft, they have legal rights. The problem is that many people are not aware that the law is on their side or even that passenger rights exist. Globally 85% of air passengers do not know their rights.

Air Passenger Rights and Regulations People Should Know

While it’s true that individual countries abide by their laws, there are some key features of regional or international laws that serve as powerful tools to air passengers. These include, but are not limited to, EU legislation EC 261, various US laws, and the Montreal Convention.

Legal Strong Suit

Specific regulations have a wider reach or prove more advantageous than others. However, it’s best to remember that disrupted flight circumstances can differ significantly, and it’s helpful to know which strengths you can rely on for your journey.

Flight Compensation Regulation EC 261 / 2004

EC 261/2004 is a regulation in EU law that favours the passenger and holds airlines financially accountable when air travel takes an unexpected turn that are deemed the airlines’ errors. Compared to other legal statutes regarding passenger rights, EC 261 is one of the most comprehensive. This vital piece of legislation plays a vital role in advocating for air travellers and passenger rights at large.

Why it Makes Sense to Know About EC 261

Travellers often do not understand that, in many instances, airlines are legally and financially responsible for flight issues, not the passenger. Depending on your flight, flight scenario, and ultimate destination, understanding passenger rights and filing a claim can mean up to £520 per flight in reimbursements.

Montreal Convention

What is the Montreal Convention?

The Montreal Convention covers passengers on international flights. These passengers are thereby issued rights, and potential compensation for flight disruptions are honoured by participating nations.

Why it Makes Sense to Know About the Montreal Convention?

120 nations honour the regulation, including the US and the EU. The Montreal Convention is also decently generous regarding baggage problems.

Extraordinary Circumstances

Not all flight disruptions fall under the support of passenger rights clauses. The following circumstances are typically not considered within the scope of an airline’s responsibility and therefore, would not be covered by the laws in place. In other words, the list below does not qualify for compensation:

• Strikes initiated by airport employees or air traffic control.
• Political unrest.
• Inclement weather.
• Security risks.