Brussels, 7 April 2023 (TDI): The European Union (EU) has set out rules for EU passengers to travel without worries. The EU passengers’ rights protect the passengers, should anything go wrong while traveling.
Traveling is tricky and cumbersome due to unexpected delays, cancellations, and lost luggage. However, the EU ensures a certain level of protection for passengers irrespective of their mode of travel.
The members of the European Parliament have introduced a set of rules obliging transport companies to provide travelers with meals, accommodation, reimbursement, and compensation in case of any setback.
It has been made mandatory for the companies in the EU not to charge more for the ticket based on nationality and location of the purchase.
The rules as well guarantee meticulous attention to passengers with mobility issues. Passengers with reduced mobility possess every right to free assistance services.
In the case of Air passengers, rights apply under certain circumstances based on a flight within the EU or if it departs from the EU to a non-EU country.
If a passenger is denied boarding, the airline must provide the passenger with refreshments, food, and accommodation free of charge. The airline must offer a choice between a refund and re-routing.
Interestingly, the passengers denied boarding are also entitled to up to €600 in compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the scheduled flight as well.
Passengers whose flights were canceled at short notice or arrived more than three hours late may also be entitled to €600 compensation, but with some restrictions.
However, this does not apply to companies offering an alternative solution or in extraordinary circumstances, such as air traffic management decisions, political instability, adverse weather conditions, or security risks.
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As for the rail passengers, if the train is canceled or delayed, the operator is obliged to provide the passengers with real-time information on the situation and their rights and obligations.
The passengers are also entitled to assistance in form of meals, refreshments, accommodation, and compensation.
Furthermore, the bus passengers’ rights are applied to regular long-distance bus and coach services that start or finish in an EU country. In circumstances of cancellation or delays, the passengers are entitled to meals and accommodation.
Lastly, the ship passenger rights are applied to ferries and cruise ships (sea and river) if the journey starts or ends at an EU port.
If a crossing is canceled or delayed departure, the passengers are entitled to meals and accommodation. Compensation is also liable if arrival is delayed by more than one hour.
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