Many travelers didn't get their plane tickets refunded during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many had to accept credit from their airline. The European Commission and the States accepted this principle to help cushion the severe economic shocks that hit the sector. Certain assets that were not used at maturity but linked to Covid-19 in France were reimbursable.
These regulations protect passenger rights in general. This applies to all passengers who take off or land in any European Union country, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.
The airline must offer the customer the option of either a refund or another flight at the same price to their original destination in the event of cancellation. This includes if the ticket was purchased online: In this instance, the specialist service provider acts only as an intermediary between customer and company.
The airline is not required to pay for accommodation (hotel, rental, etc.). If the passenger cancels their flight, they are not responsible for any reimbursements.
Only packages that include at least two services (hotel flights or on-site rental car flight) are eligible for a full refund. It is generally the responsibility of the travel agency that sold the product as per a European directive.
The rules for compensation are very strict. This compensation can only be claimed if cancellations were made less than two weeks prior to the flight, or in the case of strikes by airline employees. Compensation is not available for social movements of airport staff, air traffic controllers, or security agents. Exemplary circumstances (weather, war, etc.) are also exempt from financial compensation. Companies are exempt from any financial compensation.
Assistance (meals, drinks, accommodation, etc.) For flights over 1,500km, assistance is required at least 2 hours before takeoff. It depends on the distance and how long you wait.
Although compensation is possible (from 250 to 600 euro), it is very rare. The delay must exceed 3 hours. It is calculated at the time the doors open upon arrival and not on departure. Financial compensation is not available if the delay was not announced at least 2 weeks prior to departure.
To find out more: www.europe-consommateurs.eu
