Compensation for flight delay

Q. I travel to Europe frequently and have, on occasion, had my flight delayed or cancelled. Could you give details on how airlines in Europe are obliged to compensate passengers when flights are delayed? - Peter Cole

A. The European Union Air Passenger Rights rules provide for compensation for delayed or canceled flights. The rules apply to all passengers (whether or not they are residents of a European Union country) who have a confirmed reservation and who have checked in on time for a flight taking off from any European Union airport on any airline, or flying to a European Union airport on an EU airline. So, this would apply were you whether you were on a European airline such as Lufthansa or a foreign carrier such as SAA, as long as you are departing from an EU airport.

You can check the rules at the European Commission's Web site, ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/, where you can find a list of the National Enforcement Bodies of the 27 countries in the European Union, plus Norway and Switzerland. (Click on Passenger Rights and then go to Legislation.) If your flight departs from an EU country, complain there; if you are traveling from outside to the European Union and your flight is operated by an EU airline, complain to the country where it lands.

You can also contact the Europe Direct Service toll-free number at 00-800-67891011 (this can only be used in Europe); or long distance at (32-2) 299-96-96, from anywhere; or e-mail your complaint to mail@europe-direct.cec.eu.int.