Flight rights you may not have known about - how the rules work for travellers

Writer: Co-operation partner

Travelling by air can be both smooth and stressful. Sometimes situations arise such as delays, cancellations or problems with luggage. However, many travellers are not aware of their rights.

The EU and Swedish authorities have clear rules on how airlines should act, but airlines do not always inform their customers, especially on issues such as compensation for delayed flights and other forms of compensation.

Your fundamental rights under EU Regulation 261/2004

Since 2005, the following applies EU Regulation 261/2004 which regulates air passenger rights. It applies to all journeys that:

• Departing from an airport in the EU, regardless of the airline you are travelling with.
• Arriving at an EU airport, provided the airline is registered in the EU.

The Regulation covers, among other things, the right to compensation, re-routing and assistance in case of delays or cancellations. It doesn't matter whether you fly with a low-cost carrier or a major international airline - the same rules apply.

When are you entitled to financial compensation?

The most well-known element of the regulatory framework is the right to compensation when your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled.

• Delay on 3 hours or more: you may be entitled to compensation of between €250 and €600, depending on the length of the flight.
• Cancelled flight: you can choose between a refund of the ticket price or re-routing to another departure.
• If the delay is longer than 5 hours you always have the right to cancel your trip and get a full refund.

However, it is important to know that airlines are not obliged to pay compensation if the cause is so-called ”extraordinary circumstances”, such as extreme weather, strikes by airport staff or security risks.

Entitlement to food, drink and accommodation

Many people don't realise that airlines are also obliged to look after you while you wait. If your flight is delayed for several hours, the airline must offer you meals, drinks and access to communications, such as phone calls or emails.

In the event of an overnight stay due to a delay or cancellation of a flight, the airline must also arrange hotel accommodation and transport to and from the hotel. This applies whether or not you are entitled to financial compensation.

What about luggage problems?

Lost, delayed or damaged luggage is another situation where many travellers are unsure. The Montreal Convention applies here, an international agreement to which Sweden is also a party.

• If your baggage is delayed, you are entitled to reimbursement for essential purchases, such as toiletries or clothing.
• In case of lost luggage, you can get compensation up to around €1,300.
• It is important that you always make a claim at the airport as soon as the problem is detected.

Rights of persons with disabilities

A lesser known rule is that persons with disabilities or reduced mobility have special rights. Airlines and airports in the EU must provide assistance free of charge, both at check-in, security screening and boarding. For example, you can get help with a wheelchair, escorting to the gate and baggage handling.

What happens in case of overbooking?

Airlines sometimes overbook flights to maximise revenue. If more passengers turn up than there are seats available, you are entitled to compensation if you are denied boarding against your will.

The first thing the airline usually asks is whether someone wants to voluntarily give up their seat for compensation. However, if you are denied a seat against your will, the same rules apply as for cancelled flights: refund, rebooking and financial compensation.

Rights on connecting flights

One area that often causes confusion is what applies to connecting flights. If you have booked a journey with several flights on the same ticket and miss a connection due to a delay, you are entitled to be rebooked to the final destination at no extra cost.

However, this only applies if the tickets are purchased as a single journey. If you have booked separate airlines for different tickets, the same protection does not apply.

Flight rights outside the EU

Outside the EU, rules vary widely. Some countries, such as USA Some countries, such as the United States and Canada, have their own passenger rights systems, while others have none at all. If you are flying from or to a non-EU country, it is always a good idea to check the specific country's rules, but the EU regulation applies as soon as an EU airport or EU-registered airline is involved.

How to make an application for compensation?

To claim compensation, you should first contact the airline in writing. Most airlines have forms on their websites.

If the company refuses to pay even though you think you are entitled, you can take the case to General Complaints Board (ARN) or the equivalent authority in the country where the flight took place. There are also specialised companies that help travellers pursue their claims, but they often charge a percentage of the compensation as a fee.

Tips to protect your rights

• Save boarding passes and receipts - they are important evidence for claiming compensation.
• Documenting delays - photograph departure boards or take screenshots from apps.
• Ask on the spot - demand the services you are entitled to, such as food or hotel rooms, directly at the airport.
• Read the conditions carefully - especially if you fly with low-cost carriers, which often have stricter baggage rules.

The rules are on your side

Air travellers' rights can seem like a jungle, but knowledge is the best tool to avoid unnecessary costs and inconvenience. Many rules are in place to protect you as a traveller, and by knowing your rights, you can make sure that airlines take their responsibilities seriously.

Next time you're faced with a delay, flight cancellation or baggage problem - remember that you're not powerless. The rules are on your side, and you can get both practical help and substantial financial compensation.