Flight problems: How to get your compensation

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Flight problems

When we travel, we hope for a smooth flight experience. But in reality, we often encounter flight problems. Whether delays, cancellations or overbookings - these flight problems are stressful and annoying.

I remember a flight from Stockholm to Berlin. Two hours late, missed the connecting flight. And the next flight didn't leave until the next morning. That was frustrating. And unfortunately not an isolated case. Flight problems are common. Studies show that thousands of flights are affected every day. Delays, cancellations and overbookings are the order of the day.

Then I came across Airhelp*. A service that helps with flight problems. Airhelp helps passengers claim compensation. No legal knowledge or stress required. The process is simple: enter your details, submit your claim and wait for feedback. The success rate is high and the financial risk is low. If it doesn't work, there's no cost.

Airhelp+* offers even more. It goes beyond the standard services. With an annual subscription, you get faster processing and additional protection. You have access to personal support and travel insurance. Frequent travelers in particular benefit from this. A colleague of mine has been using Airhelp+ for a year and raves about its reliability. His claims have always been processed and reimbursed promptly.

Airhelp and Airhelp+ are valuable helpers when you have flight problems. They take the stress away and help you assert your rights. Their support leaves you with more time to concentrate on what's important: the trip itself.

Common flight problems

Unfortunately, flight problems are a common part of traveling. Flight delays are particularly common. I remember a trip from Los Angeles to New York well. The flight was supposed to take off at 10 a.m., but we didn't take off until 14 p.m. The wait was exhausting and the uncertainty was stressful.

 

Flight problems
Flight problems, photo by Matthew Smith on Unsplash

 

flight delays

Flight delays are annoying. They occur for many reasons: technical problems, bad weather or bottlenecks at the airport. Most of the time it catches us by surprise. But there are rights that passengers should be aware of.

If a flight is delayed by more than three hours, passengers are entitled to compensation under EU law. This depends on the flight distance. For short-haul flights up to 1.500 km, it is 250 euros. Medium-haul flights between 1.500 and 3.500 km bring in 400 euros. Long-haul flights over 3.500 km can bring in up to 600 euros.

It is important that the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather or strikes. This makes the difference as to whether you are entitled to compensation or not.

A friend of mine recently experienced a long delay on the way to New York. Thanks to Airhelp, he got his compensation quickly. Without much effort or stress. Airhelp knows the rights of passengers and enforces them.

Flight delays are annoying flight problems, but we don't have to simply accept them. By knowing and using our rights, we can make the best of a bad situation. This helps to make the trip pleasant despite everything.

 

Flight problems with delays
Delays and cancellations of flights, photo by Fran on Unsplash

 

Flight cancellations

Flight cancellations are a nightmare for travelers. I remember the trip of one of my social media fans. They wanted to travel to Mallorca, but then the connecting flight from Barcelona to the island was canceled. And this despite the fact that they were already in Barcelona. Suddenly they were there and the airline did not offer them an overnight stay.

Flight cancellations happen for many reasons. Technical problems are common. Sometimes crew members are missing or there are safety concerns. Bad weather also often leads to cancellations. Each of these reasons is understandable, but the impact on travel plans is serious.

A cancellation not only means missed appointments, but often also lost hotel reservations and planned activities.

Fortunately, there are ways to fight back. Airhelp helps passengers enforce their rights. If a flight is cancelled and is not caused by extraordinary circumstances, passengers are entitled to compensation. Knowing about these rights takes some of the stress away and gives a sense of control back.

Flight cancellations are annoying, but with the right support and preparation, you can make the best of it. It's worth being informed and prepared for unexpected situations. This way, you can keep the joy of traveling, even if your plan doesn't work out.

 

Flight problems with baggage
Flight baggage problems, photo by Jue Huang on Unsplash

 

Flight problems with overbooking

I remember one flight to Boston where I was told at the gate that my seat was taken. It was frustrating and annoying.

Airlines often deliberately overbook flights. They expect that some passengers will not show up. This maximizes capacity. But if everyone shows up, some will have to stay behind.

If that happens, you have clear rights. If you are denied boarding, you are entitled to compensation. The amount depends on the flight distance. For short-haul flights, it is 250 euros, for long-haul flights, up to 600 euros. The airline must also offer alternative transport or a refund.

When I was denied boarding, I didn't know what to do. It was only through research and the help of Airhelp that I learned about my rights. I received compensation and a later flight. Knowing about these rights took some of the anger away.

Overbookings are annoying, but avoidable. By knowing your rights, you can react better. This way, you will lose less time and stress if the airline overbooks.

 

Flight problems with missed connecting flights
Flight problems with missed connecting flights, photo by Neil Martin on Unsplash

 

Missed connecting flights

Missed connecting flights are a common problem. I remember flying to New York with a stopover in London. My first flight was delayed and I missed the connection. It was stressful and frustrating.

There are many reasons for missing connecting flights. Delays on the first flight are the main reason. Sometimes the transfer time is too short. Unforeseen events such as security checks or long distances between gates also play a role.

The consequences are often serious. You miss important appointments or lose valuable vacation time. For me, missing a connecting flight meant a night in the airport hotel and a delayed arrival on one of my trips to New York. My tour group, which I was supposed to meet at the airport in New York, waited for me in vain.

However, there are ways to limit the damage. If you know that you have a tight connection time, you should inform the airline. They can often help you secure your connecting flight. If you miss a flight, you are entitled to assistance and compensation. The airline must provide alternative transportation and sometimes food and accommodation.

Airhelp can help with this. They know the rights of passengers and enforce them. Thanks to their help, my missed flight to New York ended with compensation and a new flight booking.

Passenger rights

Flight problems are often frustrating. But there are clear rules that protect passengers. EU Regulation 261 / 2004 determines when passengers are entitled to compensation. This regulation applies to delays, cancellations and overbookings.

Air passenger rights 2024

The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance. For flights up to 1.500 km, the amount is 250 euros. Between 1.500 and 3.500 km, the amount is 400 euros. Over 3.500 km, passengers can receive 600 euros. That was the case with my flight to Madrid. I received 400 euros.

The conditions for compensation claims are clear. The flight must depart from the EU or be operated by an EU airline. In addition, the delay must not be caused by extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather, strikes or security risks. In my case, it was a technical problem, so I was entitled to compensation.

Airhelp will help you get your compensation. The process is straightforward and stress-free. All you have to do is enter your flight details and Airhelp will do the rest.

Not every situation leads to compensation. Exceptional circumstances, as mentioned above, rule this out. But it is always worth knowing your rights and claiming them. EU Regulation 261/2004 gives us passengers a powerful tool. With the right support, for example from Airhelp, the stress of flight problems can be significantly reduced.

 

AirHelp helps with flight problems
AirHelp helps with flight problems, photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash

 

Airhelp helps with flight problems

Flight problems can make any trip stressful. Luckily, there is Airhelp. When I first heard about Airhelp, I was skeptical. But after my flight from Stockholm to Berlin was delayed, I looked for solutions and came across this service.

Airhelp was founded in 2013. Their mission is to help passengers assert their rights. They offer support with compensation claims due to delays, cancellations and overbookings.

The process is simple. All you have to do is enter your flight details and the delay details on the website. Airhelp will do the rest. They will review your claim and then submit the claim to the airline. It only takes a few minutes.

Airhelp's success rate is high. In most cases, customers receive their compensation within a few weeks. In my case, for example, it took less than a month. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance and the length of the delay.

Another big advantage of Airhelp is their expert knowledge. They know the legal regulations exactly and enforce them. There is also no financial risk. A fee is only charged if the case is successful. This means you have nothing to lose.

Thanks to Airhelp, I was able to quickly forget the inconvenience of the flight delay. The support was professional and uncomplicated. I would Airhelp* (Advertisement) recommend to anyone who is affected by flight problems. It saves time and stress and ensures that you get your rights.

 

Flight problems with luggage
Flight problems with luggage, photo by Chris Hardy on Unsplash

 

Additional benefits with Airhelp+ in case of flight problems

Flight problems are often unavoidable, but with Airhelp+* (Advertisement) you can protect yourself even better. Airhelp+ offers exclusive services that go beyond Airhelp's standard services. One big advantage, for example, is the faster processing of claims. While regular applications can take several weeks, Airhelp+ speeds up the process significantly. This means less waiting time and faster money.

Another highlight is the additional travel insurance. This not only covers flight problems, but also lost luggage and medical emergencies.

Personal customer service is another plus point. Airhelp+ gives you direct access to your own customer advisor. No matter what questions or problems arise, you always have someone to contact.

The annual subscription is inexpensive and offers excellent value for money. For a moderate annual fee, you receive extensive services and save yourself a lot of stress and time. Frequent travelers in particular benefit from the flexibility and convenience that Airhelp+ offers.

What’s new at Airhelp+

With the new Smart and Pro models, AirHelp wants to meet the needs of frequent and occasional flyers. With an AirHelp+ membership, you are covered in the event of an impairment. You have access to over 1.100 airport lounges worldwide and baggage insurance is also included. The membership conditions have been expanded so that occasional flyers can also benefit.

AirHelp+ Smart and Pro: Two tariffs for comprehensive passenger protection

AirHelp now offers two membership models. The Smart plan, for example, is aimed at occasional flyers and covers up to three trips per year. The Pro plan, on the other hand, is intended for frequent flyers and covers nine trips per year. With a membership, you are entitled to 100 euros in the event of a flight disruption or problems with baggage. AirHelp also helps you get compensation of up to 600 euros in the event of flight delays, if the applicable law allows it. In addition, up to 1.400 euros can be reimbursed for baggage problems and up to 6.000 euros for additional costs incurred. You will receive 100 percent of the money recovered from the airline. In the event of any kind of flight problem, you also have access to 1.100 airport lounges worldwide.

Efficient support for flight problems with AirHelp+

The process to use the benefits of AirHelp+ is simple. If your flight is disrupted, AirHelp will automatically detect the disruption and notify you by email. If the flight is delayed by three hours, cancelled within 28 days of departure or diverted, you will receive an instant compensation of 100 euros through AirPayout in addition to the airline's compensation. The payment will be processed within a few days. AirHelp+ extends the traditional compensation claim up to 600 euros and offers additional benefits through AirLuggage such as an instant compensation of 100 euros and reimbursement in case of lost or delayed baggage.

 

Relaxed travel
Relaxed travel, photo by Marco López on Unsplash

 

Step-by-step guide to using Airhelp

Here is my step-by-step guide on how to use Airhelp:

1. Registration and profile creation:

First you go to the Airhelp website* (advertisement) and sign up. Registration is quick and easy. You enter your email address and a password and confirm your registration. Then you create your profile by entering your personal information. This step is important to ensure that all information is correct and complete.

2. Submitting a claim:

After registering, you can submit a claim straight away. You will need your flight details and details of the flight problem. Airhelp will ask you for the flight date, flight number and the reason for the complaint (e.g. delay, cancellation, overbooking). You fill out the form and upload any additional documents, such as booking confirmations or boarding passes. Then click "Submit".

3. Tracking claim status:

After submitting your claim, you can track the status online. Airhelp will email you regularly to update you on the progress of your case. You will receive notifications when there is new information or when the airline has responded. I found it reassuring to always know exactly where my case stood.

4. Receipt of compensation:

If your claim is successful, you will receive your compensation. Airhelp takes care of the entire process and transfers the money directly to your account. For my last claim, it took less than a month for the money to arrive. The amount depends on the flight distance and the type of flight problem.

Using Airhelp is easy and effective. You save time and stress and get the compensation you deserve. I recommend anyone who experiences flight problems to try this service.

And finally ...

Flight problems can ruin any trip. But Airhelp as well as Airhelp+ make it easier to deal with these situations.

For example, Airhelp will help you get compensation for delays, cancellations and overbookings. They know the legal regulations and enforce them. All you have to do is enter your flight details and Airhelp will do the rest. The success rate is high and you have no financial risk. If they are unsuccessful, you will not incur any costs.

Airhelp+ offers additional benefits. With a membership you get faster processing, travel insurance and access to over 1.100 airport lounges worldwide. The personal customer service and comprehensive insurance benefits make traveling more pleasant and safer. Frequent travelers in particular benefit from the flexible rates and convenience.

If you fly regularly or just want to be on the safe side, I can only recommend Airhelp+. The membership costs are manageable and you receive comprehensive protection and support in the event of flight problems.

Flight problems don't have to be the end of the world. With Airhelp and Airhelp+ you'll be well prepared and can stay relaxed. Try it the next time you have a flight problem. You'll be surprised how easy and effective it is.

 

Flight problems
Click on the photo and then pin “Flight Problems” on Pinterest.

 

Do you know anything else?

 

Source: own research during several trips. Our opinion remains our own.

Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Unsplash

Flight problems: How to get your compensation

Monika Fuchs

Monika Fuchs and Petar Fuchs are the authors and publishers of the Slow Travel and Enjoyment travel blog TravelWorldOnline Traveller. You have been publishing this blog since 2005. TravelWorldOnline has been online since 2001. Your topics are Trips to Savor and wine tourism worldwide and Slow Travel. During her studies, Monika Fuchs spent some time in North America, where she traveled to the USA and Canada - sometimes together with Petar Fuchs - and spent a research year in British Columbia. This strengthened her thirst for knowledge, which she pursued for 6 years Adventure Guide for Rotel Tours and then for 11 years as Study tour guide for Studiosus Reisen tried to breastfeed all over the world. She constantly expanded her travel regions, but curiosity still gnawed at her: “What is beyond the horizon? What else is there to discover in this city? Which people are interesting here? What do you eat in this region?” These are the questions she is now trying to answer as a freelance travel journalist (her articles have appeared in DIE ZEIT, 360° Canada, 360° USA, etc.), among others. travel writer and travel blogger answers in many countries around the world. Petar Fuchs produces the videos on this blog as well as on YouTube. Monika Fuchs from TravelWorldOnline is below Germany's top 50 bloggers in 2021 Other Information about Monika and Petar Fuchs. Recommendations on LinkedIn from tourism experts Further recommendations from cooperation partners and tourism experts Professional experience Monika on LinkedIn

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