Flight automatically rebooked, must stay overnight at transit airport, are we entitled to compensation?
We had bought a flight from Europe to the USA, and recently we got an email that the flight back has been rescheduled. The change is significant: previously we would stay a few hours in one transit (European) airport, now we must instead spend the night at that airport. When we complain to the travel agency, they blame the airline and say that it is not their fault when the airline changes their schedules. We then contact the airline, and they blame the travel agency. The travel agency only gives us the offer to either accept the change, or get a refund (a refund is certainly not an option since we have booked several other activities in the US).
Due to some personal reasons, this flight change is quite manageable for us, however we can imagine that it could be disastrous for other travelers, and we think this is really outrageous customer service and we don't want to just accept it without any compensation. So our question is, what does the air travel regulations say about this? Are we entitled to some compensation or not?
Best Answer
Normally, when a flight changes because of a rescheduling, you can call the airline, and they will try to accomodate other solutions (like flying out a day earlier, or a different route); I had that happen several times. There are obviously limits, especially if they fly only once a day or only limited connections.
It is important to do that soon after the change, so alternatives are still open - if you wait days or weeks, the other affected passenger might have taken all the good alternatives.
The travel agent could probably call too and do that for you, but he typically doesn't know which of the offered options you'd want to take, and he might not care to do that - this happens not often, but often enough so he would have to call everyday some airline.
Generally, for a flight, there is little if any value added by using a travel agent; it doesn't get cheaper or better, you are just one step removed from your contract partner, and when the travel agent finally forwards the schedule change to you, most other customers have already reacted and rebooked with the airline, and the possible remaining options are slim to none.
Try to call the airline and ask nicely how they can accomodate you with this problem, and they will typically try to. Call them and shout and complain and request, and the human being (who doesn't like being shouted at) will tell you that legally you have no rights except get your money back, good bye.
Take your pick.
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Can I get compensation for a rebooked flight?
When a flight delay occurs, you are entitled to assistance and a choice between rerouting, reimbursement, or rebooking. If you arrive at your destination more than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time, you are entitled to the same reimbursement, rerouting, and rebooking structure as a denied boarding.How many hours does your flight have to be delayed to get compensation?
If you arrived at your final destination with a delay of more than three hours, you are entitled to compensation (unless the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances, like terrorism.)What are my rights if a flight time is changed?
Except in the case of "minor flight schedule change", you can get a refund when the airline modifies the schedule of your flight. In other words, you're entitled to a refund in cases of "significant flight schedule change" and flight cancellations. Note that the airline may offer you a rerouting instead of a refund.Do I have to accept a rescheduled flight?
Deciding on a plan You're still planning to take the flight, even with the change. Some airlines might require you to acknowledge and accept the change, while on others, you may simply be confirmed on the new flight.HOW TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR FLIGHT DELAYS| AIRHELP
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