Christmas holidays are coming up. As every year, thousands of travellers are getting ready to fly to join their families or take a winter getaway. But a truce for confectioners does not necessarily mean a carefree journey. At this time, as with the rest of the time, you may be faced with a delay or even a flight cancellation.

There you are at the airport. You managed to get all the Christmas presents into your suitcases. You have also completed your last few files and are thinking of leaving quietly, with only the recipe for the New Year's Eve log and a deep need to rest as your only concern. You can already see yourself by the fireplace, exchanging the latest news with your family with the cat on your knees. Another scenario is that you are about to take advantage of this calm period to reach a sunny destination and, having wanted to charge as little as possible, you shiver under your light clothes. I can't wait for the beach! But when you check in, you discover with amazement on the notice boards that your flight is delayed, or worse, cancelled. How to react? Whether you are notified by the company or you discover it on site, a significant delay is always an inconvenience

In such situations, you don't always know what to do or where to turn. It is not easy to know if you are entitled to an alternative flight or compensation, and if the latter is the case, how much it should be and how to obtain it. Especially since airlines are often reluctant to inform their passengers. However, if you find yourself in this situation, know that they must offer you several solutions. What are your rights if your flight is cancelled?

Compensation governed by a European regulation

Not everyone is aware of this, but since 2004, a European regulation has been protecting passengers who have been delayed, cancelled Air France flights or denied boarding. These regulations, in the name of EU 261/2004, oblige the airline to compensate for the damage caused. To do this, it must offer you a re-routing to the destination in question, under the same conditions, whether you choose to take advantage of it as soon as possible or at a later date. It must also offer you the possibility of receiving a refund for the cancelled flight, or for the part of the trip not made on your ticket. You can choose between these two options.

If you choose to receive compensation, here are some keys to understanding its allocation: first of all, it does not depend on the price of the ticket but varies according to the distance of the flight and therefore its duration. It corresponds to a scale, which sets its amount between 250 and 600€ per passenger. However, it will not be paid automatically, you will need to create a file to obtain it. To do this, you can contact the airline's customer service directly. If you do not have the time or the will to dive into what can sometimes become an endless succession of phone calls and emails, specialist intermediaries like Air-indemnité.com can set up for you and follow your claim file. They do not charge any fees for this, and will only take a commission if you are successful

Eligibility criteria and exceptions

However, to benefit from this European regulation, your flight must still meet certain conditions: it must depart from a European Union Member State, regardless of the operator's nationality. If it is the opposite of an arrival in the EU, it is only applicable to European companies. On the other hand, companies of all types are concerned, whether they are regular, charter or low-cost

It seems simple. However, one particular criterion often leads to the rejection of claims files: the flight disruption must be attributable to the company from which you are claiming a refund. Nothing to do, for example, if there is a controller strike or similar exceptional situation at your departure airport.

Similarly, in this winter period, bad weather (strong winds, snow, ice...) often causes air traffic disruptions. While passengers are the first victims, delays and cancellations caused by bad weather cannot be attributed to airlines. They will therefore not pay compensation to their customers in these circumstances

According to the same principles, some delays are also subject to compensation. Similarly, the flight must depart from the European Union or be operated by a European airline. Under the terms of the law, the consumer will be protected if his flight is delayed by more than three hours and the airline "has not implemented all the necessary means to ensure that flights are on time"

Facilitate passenger waiting time

In any case, if you are stuck on the ground, the airline should not leave you unassisted. In addition to an alternative, and whatever you choose, it must provide you with refreshments and food during your waiting time, and allow you to make two phone calls. In addition, if your flight is postponed until the next day, it is up to her to take care of your accommodation and travel between this place and the airport.

We all have in mind images of travellers trapped in airports, sleeping as best they can on the seats or carpet. There can never be any guarantee that you will not be subjected to such expectations. Always remember to leave with a minimum of equipment, according to your comfort needs: warm and comfortable clothes, socks, travel pillows, books or games to keep you busy... If some companies are more generous than others, you are never better served than by yourself!