Air passenger rights introduction: compensation and beyond

One thing that many regulations have in common is that airlines do not have to pay compensation for delays and cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances or force majeure. Extraordinary circumstances usually means situations outside of the airlines' control. For example sudden strikes by air traffic control, or freak weather.

Working out what money you are entitled to after a flight delay or cancellation is even more confusing because you may be owed several different things: Refund (money you paid and later get back), Compensation (money to make amends for a problem or inconvenience), and Reimbursements (if you had to spend extra money because of a delay). In some situations you are entitled to all three!

If you have to wait overnight for an alternative flight, most laws require the airline to put you up in a hotel and provide transport to and from the airport.

Many passenger rights say that airlines must provide refreshments if your flight is delayed by more than a few hours. The exact time varies depending on your regulation and flight distance.

Airlines have to tell you your rights if there is a flight cancellation, a delay of at least two hours, or if boarding is denied. They should give you a written notice setting out the rules for compensation and assistance.

When flights are cancelled, passengers are entitled to choose between a full refund or an alternative flight to their destination. The airline cannot force you to accept vouchers instead of cash.

If your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, you may be entitled to compensation under the Montreal Convention or local regulations. Keep all receipts for essential purchases made while waiting for delayed baggage.

Airlines must provide assistance to passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities. This includes help at the airport and during the flight, as well as ensuring wheelchairs and mobility equipment are handled carefully.

Some regulations require airlines to provide water, food, and access to bathrooms if passengers are stuck on the tarmac for extended periods. In the US, planes cannot remain on the tarmac for more than 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international) without allowing passengers to deplane.

Recently, air passenger rights have started tackling extra airline fees. For example Canada's regulation says that children under 14 must be sat next to their parent or guardian for free. Airlines cannot charge them to sit together.

Courts have ruled that passengers are entitled to compensation for disruptions resulting from airline staff strikes. Staff strikes are not an extraordinary circumstance, bringing much-needed assistance to the thousands of passengers affected by strikes every year.

Courts have ruled that passengers get compensation for flights that were rescheduled by 1 hour earlier or more. Flights that leave an hour earlier than scheduled cause just as much inconvenience to a passenger as a canceled flight does.

If your multi-leg flight had a delay on any leg, you are entitled to compensation for the whole route. It is irrelevant which leg is affected; compensation is due for the entire journey.

A delay of the first leg that leads to the passenger not having the minimum connection time to change planes is automatically considered the airline's fault. You don't need to prove anything beyond the delay.

Passengers don't have to accept the re-routing schedule offered by the airline following the cancellation of their flight. If you decide not to fly at all, you are still entitled to compensation.

Infants are now eligible for compensation, even when the parents only paid a fee for taking the baby with them on the aircraft.