Before leaving for European countries, it is necessary to learn your rights in order to feel safe, especially in case of a problem that you cannot influence. Find out what to do in case of lost luggage, delays, flight cancellations and more
When planning a trip abroad, you need to take care of all the details. But what about situations that cannot be predicted? Even the most carefully planned trip can be disrupted by unexpected events beyond your control, such as lost luggage, delays, flight cancellations, etc.
Therefore, when traveling in EU countries, you should remember that there are relevant EU passenger rights that can help you if you encounter unexpected situations.
EU passenger rights provide people with the necessary level of protection regardless of the mode of transport.
The European Parliament introduced rules, thanks to which passengers will be provided with food and accommodation, as well as compensation in case of flight delay or cancellation, loss of luggage, etc.
Traveling by plane in EU countries: the rights of air passengers
The rights of air passengers come into force if the flight is between EU countries or in the case of a flight from an EU country to a country that is not a member of the European Union.
• If a passenger is denied boarding, he is entitled to free assistance in the form of refreshments, food and accommodation from the carrier airline. Also, the airline must offer the passenger a choice between monetary compensation and flight replacement. The amount of monetary compensation depends on the distance of the flight: a flight up to 1,500 km - 250 euros, a flight from 1,500 to 3,500 km - 400 euros, a flight over 3,500 km - 600 euros;
• If the flight is cancelled, the passenger has the right to assistance, as well as compensation, exchange of tickets or refund. In the event of a delay, the assistance depends on the duration of the delay and the distance of the flight;
• Passengers who experience a flight cancellation just prior to travel or those whose flight is delayed by more than 3 hours are also entitled to cash compensation. Please note that compensation is not provided under certain circumstances: political instability, security threats, adverse weather conditions, etc.
Rights of railway passengers
Pay attention! Such rights apply when traveling by rail only between the countries of the European Union.
• If a passenger is faced with a train cancellation or delay, the operator must provide full information about the situation and announce the passenger's rights and responsibilities. Depending on the situation, the passenger can receive assistance in the form of food, drinks, accommodation and monetary compensation.
Rights of bus passengers when traveling in EU countries
These rights usually apply to regular intercity bus transportation in the territories of the European Union countries.
• In case of cancellation or delay of the bus, the passenger has the right to free food and accommodation.
Rights of ship passengers
The rules apply to journeys on ferries and cruise ships, sea and river, starting and ending in ports of EU countries.
• If the departure was delayed or canceled, the passenger has the right to assistance in the form of food and accommodation;
• If the ship arrives at the final destination more than an hour late, passengers are entitled to compensation.
We will remind you! Millions of Ukrainians received the status of temporary protection in European countries since the beginning of the war. Learn more about the specifics of changing your place of residence, applying for temporary protection and answers to problematic questions you may encounter when changing your country of residence in the EU by following the link.
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