European Travel Law the Airlines Forgot to Mention

So you get to the airport in Europe and your flight is cancelled. What do you do next? Crack open your wallet, try and find a hotel and hope for the best, right??

NOT SO FAST!!

According to the rules of the European Union – airlines MUST pay penalties of up to $750 American for cancelling a flight and cover your hotel and meal expenses. Not one or the other – BOTH!! This rule (law #EC 261) applies to every traveler who leaves the European Union – And that includes Americans! I know, I can’t believe it either.

U.S. Air, American – it doesn’t matter what airline is due to ferry you across the Atlantic – all travelers are supposed to be protected by the European Union’s passenger’s right laws. According to the New York Times, every domestic carrier reluctantly admitted to knowing about this law (with the exception of United – they must have missed the memo.)

Now just because the law is on your side – that is no guarantee that the airline will actually pay up. But rules are rules. However, there’s another key element to this European law. If you are flying on a European airline, you don’t even have to ask. They comply with the law without any hassles.

Sooooo – Next time you fly to and from Europe – you might want to explore the Euro-Airline option. That way, if your flight gets cancelled – you can actually get some compensation without going into battle.