Clune -know your rights about cancelled flights
MEMBERS of the public whose travel plans have been thrown in to chaos due to the ongoing COVID-10 pandemic have been reminded of their rights under EU legislation.
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune said the EU passenger rights guarantee people whose flights have been cancelled are entitled to either a full refund or the option of or rescheduling their booking.
Ms Clune, who is a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport, said it was important that in the current situation people recognised and adhere to Government guidelines to protect everyone’s well-being.
“However, in case of confusion, I want to remind air passengers that EU rules are clear on cancelled flights. The airline must provide a clear choice between a refund or changing to a new flight at the earliest opportunity or at a later date at the passengers convenience.”
She said that in the context of the Coronavirus outbreak and the resulting and warnings the EU Commission had issued revised guidelines on how passenger rights should be interpreted.
“But, the rules for cancelled flights remain the same,” said Ms Clune.
“Passengers who would prefer to have a refund instead of changing their cancelled flight to a later date can request the same from the airline. If they do not receive a satisfactory response, they can contact the national body responsible. In Ireland’s case, this is the Commission for Aviation Regulation.”
She was keen to stress that COVID-19 had put airlines under enormous pressure, urging people to bear this in mind when waiting for replies to their queries and requests.
“It is a very difficult time for the airline industry and it is understandable that there may be delays in terms of customer service. So people need to be patient in terms of customer service delays as many companies are dealing with this unprecedented situation with limited staffing,”