Can the airline simply cancel my flight and rebook me?
February 9, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Fred Kock
Dear travel lawyer,
I am reaching out to you with an urgent question regarding my flight. Some time ago, I booked a flight with an airline that has now been cancelled at short notice. The airline has informed me that they will rebook me on another flight, which may take place at a different time and with possibly different layovers.
I am concerned because I have my travel plans firmly in place and rely on the originally booked flight. The sudden cancellation of the flight has disrupted my travel plans and I am unsure if the airline can simply cancel my flight and rebook me. I am wondering if this could result in additional costs for me and if I have the right to demand compensation or alternative solutions.
Therefore, I seek your advice on how best to proceed in this situation. Are there any legal steps I can take against the airline? Should I accept the rebooking or do I have the right to a refund of my flight ticket? I am grateful for your support and look forward to your professional advice on this matter.
Kind regards,
Sebastian Fuchs
Dear Mr. Fuchs,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the sudden cancellation of your flight and the related rebooking by the airline. It is understandable that you are concerned and unsure about how to proceed in this situation. As a lawyer specializing in travel law, I am here to provide you with my advice.
First and foremost, it is important to know that airlines have the right to cancel flights at short notice and rebook passengers on other flights. This is governed by the airlines' general terms and conditions. However, as a passenger, you also have certain rights and entitlements in the event of a flight cancellation.
According to the European Air Passenger Rights Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004), passengers are entitled to compensation in such cases if the flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure and the airline cannot prove that the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances. In your case, if the airline cancelled the flight at short notice, you may have a claim for compensation.
Furthermore, you have the right to choose between rebooking on another flight and a refund of the ticket price. If you are unable or unwilling to accept the rebooking, you have the right to a refund of the ticket price. The airline is obligated to refund the amount to you within a reasonable timeframe.
Regarding any additional costs that may arise due to the cancellation and rebooking, you may be entitled to compensation. For example, if additional accommodation costs or other expenses arise due to the rebooking, you can claim these costs back from the airline.
To protect your rights and find the best possible solution for your situation, I recommend that you contact the airline promptly and communicate your concerns clearly. If you encounter difficulties in enforcing your rights, I am available to assist you and support you in taking legal action against the airline.
I hope this information helps you and answers your questions. If you need further assistance or have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Fred Kock
Lawyer specializing in travel law
