It's a wonderful change of scenery when you go on vacation. However, those who take theplane can face disruptions. Between airport strikes, flight cancellations and other problems, stress can mount up, and your vacation plans could well fall through. The Centre Européen des Consommateurs (CEC) France gives us a reminder of our rights in the event of a problem. So what recourse do you have if you're forced to miss your flight?
If the flight has been cancelled by the airline: normally you should have the choice between a refund of your ticket within 7 days or an alternative flight to your destination. However, you are also entitled to compensation. The amount of this is between €250 and €600, depending on the distance of the flight. Please note, however, that this compensation is due if you were notified of the cancellation of your flight less than two weeks before the departure date, as well as in the event of exceptional circumstances (unfavorable weather, strike, etc.). For more information, click here.
But be careful, in the event of a strike! If your flight is cancelled due to a strike by airline staff, the airline is obliged to pay you compensation. On the other hand, ifyour flight is cancelled due to a strike by airport staff, the airline is not obliged to compensate you. Finally, if you are forced to cancel your flight for your own reasons, you cannot be guaranteed a refund unless your tickets are cancelable and refundable.
Finally, to whom should you address your complaints? If you have booked your flight through a reservation platform, they must inform you of thecancellation and of any recourse you may have, as well as forwarding your requests to the airline. However, they are not responsible for refunding your ticket or re-routing you. Finally, if your dispute with an airline based in theEuropean Union, Iceland or Norway comes to nothing, you can take advantage of the free assistance of CEC France's legal experts.
Official website
www.europe-consommateurs.eu
