What is force majeure in EU261?

What is force majeure in EU261? 'Force majeure' as an argument for refusing to pay compensation for flight delays as referred to in Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 or requiring injured parties to seek redress through legal action.

How do I make a EU261 claim?

You'll need to send the airline a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass or a copy of your printed boarding pass, a letter explaining what went wrong with your flight and how much you're claiming, as well as a copy of the EU261 terms and conditions.

What are the extraordinary circumstances for eu261?

Examples of extraordinary circumstances Acts of terrorism or sabotage. Security risks. Political or civil unrest. Hidden manufacturing defects (a manufacturer recall that grounds a fleet of aircraft)

Do airlines have to prove extraordinary circumstances?

Airlines must prove that the delay or cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

How long does an airline have to respond to an EU261 claim?

Once you submit the complaint form to the airline, you should wait for their reply. If they fail to get back to you within two months, or you are not satisfied with their reply, you can move on to the next phase of the flight compensation claim.

When can airlines refuse compensation?

U.S. airlines are not required to offer compensation for delays outside their control, like severe weather or air traffic control issues. And policies vary from airline to airline when it comes to delays caused by controllable issues like maintenance problems and staffing shortages.

What happens if airline refuses compensation?

If the airline has denied your compensation, the next step is to take them to court. There are lawyers that specialize in air passenger rights that may be happy to help you with your case.

Can I ask for compensation for delayed flight?

According to the DOT, airlines are not required to provide money or other compensation when flights get delayed, regardless of how late they are. However, when a “significant delay” takes place, passengers may receive refunds for seat selection fees or checked baggage fees.

Is bad weather an extraordinary circumstance?

An extraordinary circumstance is essentially an event causing a delay that's outside of the airline's control and generally unforeseen. The most commonly encountered extraordinary circumstance is bad weather.

What is classed as extraordinary circumstance in flight delays?

Extraordinary circumstances are, for example, bad weather, strikes — everything caused by a third party or that the airline couldn't have predicted. Disrupted flight due to extraordinary circumstances? You could still be able to get flight compensation!

How much is EC 261 compensation?

Under EU261 rules, you may be entitled to up to 600 euros (~$630) in compensation if you arrive at your destination four hours late (or more) when flying long-haul, with lower payouts on shorter flights within Europe.

What counts as extraordinary circumstances?