Air travel has become one of the most common means of transportation and most of the times it is problem free. However, complications do sometimes occur and in such situations travellers should be aware that there are specific regulations to safeguard them.

The most common problems of air travelling are delayed flights, or even worse, cancellation or overbooking of flights.

To protect passengers in such scenarios, the Denied Boarding Compensation Regulations establish the minimum compensation passengers are entitled to if there is a refusal to accommodate them on a flight. Where cancellation or overbooking occurs, stranded passengers are entitled to monetary compensation which varies according to the length of the flight.

The passenger concerned is also entitled to either a reimbursement of the cost of the ticket not used, or a return flight to the first point of departure, or re-routing to the final destination at the earliest opportunity. Apart from the remedies already mentioned, the air carrier is also obliged to take care of stranded passengers.

In cases of delayed flights, passengers are entitled to care by the air carrier. The type of care that should be provided depends on the length of the delay at the airport. For instance, if the delay is more than two hours, passengers must be offered refreshments and the possibility of making two free telephone calls.

If the time of departure is deferred until the next day, passengers must also be offered hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the place of accommodation.

Passengers should also be given compensation if they are placed in a class lower than that for which the ticket was purchased. Such compensation varies from 30 to 75 per cent of the ticket paid, depending on the length of the flight.

Ms Vella is senior information officer, Consumer and Competition Division.