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As a passenger, there’s nothing more frustrating than experiencing flight delays. Not only can it disrupt your travel plans, but it can also lead to missed connections, ruined itineraries, and additional expenses. Fortunately, if you’ve flown with Aegean Airlines and have experienced flight delay, you may be entitled to compensation under EU air passenger rights law. We’ll explore your rights as a passenger, the eligibility criteria for compensation, and how to claim what you’re owed.
Understanding Your Rights under EC 261
EC 261 is a robust air passenger rights law that provides protection to travelers flying in and out of European airports. It covers a range of scenarios, including flight delays, cancellations, overbookings, and denied boarding. If you’ve encountered a flight delay with Aegean Airlines, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the key provisions of EC 261 to determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
Flight Delay Compensation Eligibility
According to EC 261, you may be eligible for flight delay compensation if your flight meets the following criteria:
- The flight was delayed by more than 3 hours.
- The flight departed from an EU airport or arrived at an EU airport on an EU-based airline.
- The delay was within the airline’s control, such as operational issues or maintenance problems.
It’s important to note that the length of the delay and the distance of your flight will determine the compensation amount. Under EC 261, you can receive up to $700 (€600) per person for delays exceeding 3 hours, regardless of the actual departure time. The specific compensation amounts are as follows:
- Flights under 1,500 km: Up to €250 per person
- EU flights over 1,500 km qualify for €400/person.
- Non-EU flights 1,500 – 3,500 km: €400/person
- Non-EU flights > 3,500 km: €600/person
To determine if you’re eligible for compensation, you’ll need to confirm the length of the delay and the circumstances surrounding it. If you’re unsure, We offers a Compensation Check Tool that can assess your eligibility within minutes.
Exemptions to Flight Delay Compensation
While EC 261 provides significant protection to air passengers, there are certain circumstances where airlines may be exempt from providing compensation. These exemptions include:
- Extraordinary circumstances: If the delay was caused by events beyond the airline’s control, such as severe weather conditions, natural disasters, political unrest, or security risks, the airline may not be liable for compensation.
- Informed passengers and alternative arrangements: If the airline informed passengers of the delay in advance and offered alternative transportation that arrived at a similar time to the original flight, compensation may not be applicable.
- Extraordinary circumstances due to COVID-19: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is considered an extraordinary circumstance, and as such, airlines are generally not obligated to provide compensation for flight cancellations or delays caused by the pandemic.
It’s important to note that the burden of proof lies with the airline to demonstrate that the delay falls within one of these exemptions. If you believe you’re entitled to compensation despite the airline’s claim of an extraordinary circumstance, it’s recommended to seek expert advice.
How to Claim Aegean Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
If you’ve experienced a flight delay with Aegean Airlines and meet the eligibility criteria for compensation, you have the right to claim what you’re owed. Navigate the claims process with this concise guide:
Gather Relevant Information
Before initiating a claim, gather all the necessary information related to your flight delay. This includes your flight details, ticket information, boarding passes, and any communication with the airline regarding the delay. More documentation, stronger case.
Confirm Eligibility
Use FlightsDaddy’s Compensation Check Tool or consult with experts to confirm your eligibility for flight delay compensation. This will provide you with a clear understanding of the compensation amount you may be entitled to.
Contact Aegean Airlines
Reach out to Aegean Airlines directly to inform them of your intent to claim compensation for the flight delay. Provide them with all the relevant information and documentation to support your claim. It’s important to maintain a polite and professional tone throughout your communication.
Seek Legal Assistance
If Aegean Airlines denies your claim or fails to respond within a reasonable timeframe, you may consider seeking legal assistance from organizations specializing in air passenger rights. These organizations can guide you through the legal process and represent your interests in pursuing compensation.
File a Complaint with National Enforcement Bodies
If your claim is still unresolved, you have the option to file a complaint with the national enforcement body in the country where the delay occurred. These bodies are responsible for enforcing air passenger rights and can intervene on your behalf to resolve the dispute.
Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution
In cases where the dispute remains unresolved, alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration can be pursued. These methods offer a more informal and cost-effective approach to resolving conflicts without resorting to lengthy court proceedings.
Additional Tips for a Successful Claim
To increase your chances of a successful claim, consider the following tips:
- Keep records: Maintain a detailed record of all relevant information, including flight details, communication with the airline, and any additional expenses incurred due to the delay.
- Be persistent: Follow up with the airline and enforcement bodies regularly to ensure your claim progresses. Persistence can often yield positive results.
- Seek professional assistance: If you encounter difficulties during the claims process, seek assistance from organizations specializing in air passenger rights. Their expertise can greatly enhance your chances of a successful claim.
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as an air passenger, not only in cases of flight delays but also in situations such as flight cancellations, overbookings, and denied boarding. Being well-informed empowers you to assert your rights effectively.
- Act promptly: Initiate your claim as soon as possible to ensure compliance with any time limitations imposed by EC 261. Delaying your claim may weaken your case.
