European Union Travel Directive

Under the new travel directive issued by the European Union (EU) you are entitled to claim compensation from your carrier if any of the following happen:

1. Denied boarding and cancelled flights

If you check in on time but are denied boarding because there are too many passengers for the seats available or your flight is cancelled, the airline operating the flight must offer you financial compensation.

2. Long delays

If a delay of two hours or more is expected by the airline, they must offer you meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation and communication facilities. If the delay is more than five hours, the airline must also offer to refund your ticket.

3. Baggage

If your checked-in baggage is damaged or lost by an EU airline, you must make a claim to the airline within seven days. If your checked-in baggage is delayed, you must make a claim to the airline within 21 days of its return.

4. Injury and death in accidents

If injury or death results from an accident on a flight by an EU airline, you may claim from the airline for damages.

5. Package holidays

If your tour operator fails to provide the services you have booked, for example, any flights or a significant part of your booked package, you may claim for damages from the tour operator.