PASSENGER RIGHTS in the event of cancelled or delayed flights are protected under European regulations that came into effect in February 2005.
According to the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR), the enforcement body in Ireland, passengers booked on cancelled flights should get a choice between reimbursement of the full cost for parts of the journey not made, or rerouting under comparable transport conditions to final destination at the earliest opportunity. Rerouting may be at a later date at the passenger's convenience, subject to availability of seats.
If the cancelled flight is part of a connecting flight and part of the journey has already been made, they may be reimbursed for the part already travelled if it no longer serves in relation to original travel plans. A return flight to point of first departure must be offered in these cases, according to the CAR.
Passengers must be offered care and help free of charge while awaiting a rerouted flight, with meals, accommodation in cases where an overnight stay is necessary, transport between the airport and accommodation and two telephone calls, e-mails, faxes or telexes facilitated.
Compensation may be payable in cases of flight cancellation, unless the airline can prove it was caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided.
See full details on Commission for Aviation Regulation website: www.aviationreg.ie
