The summer could well be disturbed in the airports. If you plan to fly, here are your rights in the event of a flight cancellation.
For many French people, the summer of 2022 will mark the return of the freedom to move, after two years of restrictions linked to Covid. That of taking the plane, in particular, to change air far from home.
Be careful though, the summer may be hot in the airports, announces the European Consumer Center (CEC). Strikes, cancellation of flights for lack of staff, removal of seats against the backdrop of Covid: the Strasbourg-based consumer association fears disruptions.
Hence the importance for travelers to know their rights. In a press release, CEC France recalls the European framework in the matter.
Plane ticket: how to get reimbursed in case of delay, overbooking or cancellation?
In case of flight canceled by the company
When an airline cancels a flight, it must in principle give you the choice between reimbursement of your ticket within 7 days and one another flight to your final destination under comparable conditions of carriage.
If it cancels at the last moment, i.e. less than 2 weeks before departure, it must also offer you a compensation between 250 and 600 euros depending on the flight distance. Unless it invokes exceptional circumstances: weather, pandemic or strike.
In the event of a canceled flight due to a strike
A strike is not always considered an exceptional circumstance. This is only the case if it concerns airport personnel, for example air traffic controllers. On the other hand, if it is a strike internal to the company, the indemnity is due to you.
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In case of impossibility to take the flight
A family emergency, an illness prevents you from taking off? In this case, you will only be reimbursed if your tickets are cancellable and refundable. Remember to check this point when booking.
Cancellation does not always mean refund. It depends on company policy. Generally, it defines a time limit before departure, beyond which reimbursement is no longer in full. It can also apply penalties, if this is provided for in its general conditions of sale.
How to react in case of cancellation?
In all cases, the first reflex is to contact the airline, via its online complaint form. If you have booked your ticket via an online platform, the latter must inform you of the cancellation and any proposals from the airline. On the other hand, it has no obligation to pay for your rerouting or to reimburse you the price of the plane ticket.
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