Compensation for Flight Postponement And Change Of Flight Time

Flight time changes are a major annoyance for travelers. When you book a flight, you assume that it will take place at the scheduled time. However, airlines often change flight times shortly before departure. Often, you consciously choose the time of departure and may even opt for a more expensive flight. It is particularly annoying when vacation time is lost due to the flight time change.

 

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In the event of a flight time change:

Travelers often get to feel the arbitrariness of airlines. Shortly before departure, you receive information about the flight time change. The notification here is definitely too late. The EU Passenger Rights Regulation 261/2014 prescribes clear rules for flight postponements and flight time changes.

In many cases, you are entitled to a refund of up to €600 per person in the event of a flight time change.

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Here’s what you need to know about flight rescheduling:

Critical for the right to compensation is the moment you were informed about the flight schedule change.

If you are notified of the change up to seven days before departure and the flight departs more than one hour earlier or lands two hours later at the destination, you are entitled to the full compensation payment.

If you are informed of the flight change eight to fourteen days before departure and the flight departs more than two hours earlier or arrives more than four hours later at the destination, you are also entitled to compensation. However, in this case, you are entitled to only 50% of the total compensation amount.

If your airline or tour operator has informed you of the schedule change 14 days or more before departure, unfortunately, you are not entitled to compensation.

Here’s an overview of the existing rules for compensation for flight schedule changes:

The entitlement depends on the timing of the notification and the duration of the change:

  • 0 to 7 days before departure – entitlement to compensation exists (if departure is one hour earlier or arrival is two hours later)
  • 8 to 14 days before departure – entitlement to compensation exists (if departure is two hours earlier or arrival is four hours later)
  • More than 14 days before departure – no entitlement

When do you have a right to compensation in case of a flight schedule change?

How were you informed about the flight schedule change?

Whether you are entitled to compensation for a flight schedule change depends on when the airline or tour operator informed you about the change. The number of hours your flight was moved forward or backward must also be considered.

Do you want to claim compensation for a flight schedule change? Then you must meet these requirements to be eligible for compensation for a flight schedule change:

  • You should have checked in on time.
  • Your flight is not more than 3 years ago.
  • Your flight departed from the EU (any airline) or landed in the EU (the airline is based in the EU).

Your responsible airline or tour operator is obligated to clearly inform you about flight schedule changes. This means that you must be notified either by phone, SMS, or in writing via email about the time change. Notification through an app, where the message about the time change disappears immediately or is difficult to find, is not permissible

Flight schedule change due to extraordinary circumstances

If a flight schedule change occurs due to extraordinary circumstances such as a storm, the airline or tour operator is not liable, and passengers are not entitled to compensation.

In this case, the airline is not responsible for the time change because the disruption occurred due to circumstances beyond their control.

To learn what constitutes an extraordinary circumstance and when you have a claim for compensation in such cases, refer to: Compensation for Extraordinary Circumstances.

 

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Tips: What to do in case of a flight schedule change: Accept or Decline?

Flight schedule changes can be very stressful. Nevertheless, you should try to stay calm and keep a cool head. Follow a simple plan:

If you have been notified of a flight schedule change by email or phone, you can either rebook or cancel your flight. Most airlines are accommodating to passengers in case of flight schedule changes. Typically, there is often the option to rebook the flight either with the same airline or with a different one. Take initiative and find out what alternative flights are available to you.

The new flight may have a different number of layovers or may be on a different day. However, the ticket price for the new flight should not be higher. If you only find out about the flight schedule change at the airport, do not hesitate to exercise your right to assistance services.

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FAQ

It may happen that the departure schedules are not carefully prepared and the departure times are still changed before departure. If the EU Passenger Rights Regulation 261/2014 applies – you can be reimbursed up to 600 € in case of a flight time change.

In the event of a flight time change, you are entitled to compensation of up to €600 per person in many cases. The EU Passenger Rights Regulation 261/2004 provides the legal basis for this. From a waiting time of 2 hours at the airport, you are also entitled to care services by the airline. The limitation period for flight time changes is 3 years after the flight date.

If you change your flight time, you have enough stress. You don’t need to worry about reimbursement after the fact. That’s what we’re here for. We shake up the airlines and, with the help of lawyers, claim the compensation you are entitled to.

About us

Passengers friend specializes in enforcing compensation claims for flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. The basic idea is based on the observation that as a traveler, while you have a right to compensation under EU law, you may encounter difficulties enforcing it against the airline in reality. Passengers Friend already collaborates with over 2200 travel agencies. Together, we help you assert your rights. We will secure your compensation, or our service is completely free for you!