Airport chaos in Europe: What compensation am I entitled to?

Are travelers threatened with a chaotic summer in Europe? At least that’s what you might think if you look at the reports of the past few weeks: stranded passengers, hundreds of canceled flights and many delays. There is talk of hours of waiting at Heathrow Airport in London or Schiphol in Amsterdam, sometimes up to six hours. There should also be queues that extend to the parking lot in front of the Edinburgh airport building. The Dutch airline KLM has, according to “Tagesschau” temporarily drastically reduced ticket salesto reduce the number of travelers. Airlines like Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings had to cancel up to 900 flights in July. 2200 Lufthansa flights are to be canceled in the summer months. The reason here: staff shortage.

Travel chaos in Europe: where are the delays and long waiting times coming from?

The current conditions at European airports have several reasons. At first, many airports were unable to prepare for a surge in travelers due to changing corona regulations and restrictions. This now collides with the fact that many travel restrictions in European countries have been almost or partially lifted, reports the “New York Times“At the same time, there are staff shortages in many places, as numerous employees have resigned during the pandemic or are absent due to corona. However, replacing these employees is not so easy because recruiting and training would take a lot of time.

At some airports, this situation was fueled by strikes: This is how the staff at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for higher wages and better working hours down the job. According to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” to a standstill. Similar actions were announced for the Brussels airport. Of long waiting times and chaotic conditions to report also travelers who want to fly via Düsseldorf Airport.

What do I have to be prepared for as a traveller?

Travelers are currently reporting on social media that many airports have long lines at baggage drop-off, at check-in and on the way to security. Numerous flights are delayed or cancelled. If you have to transfer at one or more airports during a trip, you should plan enough time, as delays are to be expected. The lack of staff is also noticeable when checking in luggage.

From July there is also a test requirement for those returning to the USA. Therefore, additional US tourists could travel to Europe. which is why an even higher increase in travelers must be expected from this point in time. At the same time, demand is difficult to predict, as many people could fall back on last-minute offers due to increased prices.

What can I do?

In principle, due to the constantly changing situation, everyone should always have an emergency plan ready. Within Europe, it is advisable to switch to bus or train. Travelers should definitely keep the following tips in mind:

• Download airline app: In the event of a delay or cancellation at short notice, this helps to get up-to-date information about the flight instead of having to wait for announcements at the airport. If necessary, those affected can then rebook more quickly.
• Choose direct route: The fewer stops on the journey, the lower the chance of missing a connecting flight. You should also keep in mind that other airlines are also operating the same route or that a train is going to the destination. This gives you an alternative in an emergency.
• In time for the airport: All airports currently recommend going to the airport much earlier than usual in order not to miss the flight. Due to the currently long waiting times, travelers should therefore arrive at the airport three to four hours before departure.
• Light luggage: Because baggage handling is currently suffering from staff shortages, you should fly with as little baggage as possible. For example, if you only fly with hand luggage, you save yourself the long waiting time when checking in your luggage and don’t have to worry about losing something. If you have no choice but to fly with checked baggage, you should take emergency clothing with you in your hand baggage for the first few days, just to be on the safe side.
• Stay flexible: Saving foxes should currently pay a few euros more and book a flexible cancellation option. The same applies to travel cancellation insurance. This saves you a lot of stress and money in an emergency.
• Reconsider travel time: Unfortunately, there is currently no improvement in the situation in sight. If you can, you should avoid the peak travel season in July and August and fly at a different time.

What rights do I have?

In principle, EU passenger rights apply from European airports or for flights within Europe. According to these, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, you have the right to compensation – especially if the airline doesn’t tell you in time or doesn’t rebook you on another flight.

In the case of a canceled flight, you can make various claims:

• Damage payment
• Refund of your ticket price
• Rebooking on another flight
• Assistance at the airport

Even on flights more than two hours late you are entitled to compensation. The airline is obliged to assist you at the airport and to pay for accommodation and transport if necessary. From three hours the compensation depends on the distance from the travel destination:

• Up to 1500 kilometers: 250 euros
• Over 1500 kilometers (EU) and between 1500 and 3500 kilometers for non-EU flights: 400 euros
• From 3500 kilometers: 600 euros

If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, you can request your rights from the airline. Most airlines have contact points at the airports. You can also cancel most lines via your personal customer portal, possibly with a refund. Compensations are usually processed via a separate area. The best way to do this is to search online for your airline name and “refund”.

However, EU air passenger rights do not apply if you are unable to take advantage of another offer such as a hotel or rental car due to a delay or canceled flight. It is advisable to take out travel cancellation insurance that covers such cases.

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