Does Ryanair pay EU261?
Yes, Ryanair does pay EU261 compensation to eligible passengers under certain circumstances. EU261 is a regulation that protects the rights of air passengers in the European Union. It establishes rules for compensation and assistance in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Under EU261, Ryanair is required to compensate passengers for flights that are delayed for more than three hours, cancelled without prior notice, or if the passenger is denied boarding due to overbooking. The compensation amount varies based on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay.
Passengers may be entitled to claim compensation of up to €600, depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. It’s important to note that EU261 only applies to flights departing from an EU member state or flights arriving in an EU member state operated by an EU airline.
It is worth mentioning that Ryanair, like any other airline, may try to avoid paying compensation by claiming extraordinary circumstances that are beyond their control. Examples of extraordinary circumstances include adverse weather conditions, air traffic control strikes, or security threats. However, it is ultimately up to the airline to prove that the circumstances were indeed extraordinary.
If passengers believe they are eligible for EU261 compensation from Ryanair, they should submit a formal claim to the airline. It is recommended to keep all relevant documents, such as boarding passes and receipts, as evidence to support the claim. If Ryanair refuses to pay or does not respond within a reasonable time, passengers can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the relevant national enforcement body or seeking legal assistance.
FAQs about Ryanair and EU261
1. Does Ryanair compensate for flight delays?
Yes, Ryanair is obligated to compensate passengers for flights delayed for more than three hours as per EU261 regulations. The amount of compensation depends on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight.
2. What is the maximum compensation amount under EU261?
The maximum compensation amount under EU261 is €600 for flights delayed for more than three hours, cancelled without prior notice, or if the passenger is denied boarding due to overbooking.
3. Does EU261 only apply to Ryanair flights within the EU?
No, EU261 applies to all flights departing from an EU member state or arriving in an EU member state operated by an EU airline, regardless of the destination.
4. What are extraordinary circumstances in relation to EU261?
Extraordinary circumstances are events beyond the control of the airline, such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic control strikes, or security threats. Airlines may use this as a defense to avoid paying compensation.
5. Can passengers claim compensation directly from Ryanair?
Yes, passengers can submit a formal claim directly to Ryanair if they believe they are eligible for EU261 compensation. It is recommended to keep all relevant documents as evidence.
6. What should I do if Ryanair refuses to pay compensation?
If Ryanair refuses to pay or does not respond within a reasonable time, passengers can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the relevant national enforcement body or seeking legal assistance.
7. How long do I have to make a claim for EU261 compensation?
The time limit for making a claim for EU261 compensation varies by country. It is generally between two to six years, depending on the national laws.
8. Does Ryanair provide any assistance, in addition to compensation, for flight delays or cancellations?
Yes, Ryanair is also required to provide passengers with assistance, such as meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary, depending on the length of the delay.
9. Does EU261 apply to flights booked with Ryanair but operated by another airline?
Yes, if the flight is booked under a Ryanair flight number, regardless of the operating airline, EU261 still applies.
10. Can I claim compensation for a delayed Ryanair flight that happened several years ago?
Yes, if the flight meets the criteria for compensation under EU261 and the time limit for making a claim has not expired, you can still claim compensation for a delayed Ryanair flight that happened several years ago.
11. How long does it typically take to receive EU261 compensation from Ryanair?
The time it takes to receive EU261 compensation from Ryanair can vary. In some cases, it may take a few weeks, while in others, it may take several months, depending on the complexity of the claim and Ryanair’s response time.
12. Are there any exceptions or limitations to EU261 compensation for Ryanair flights?
EU261 compensation may not be available if the delay, cancellation, or denied boarding was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the airline. Each case is assessed individually to determine eligibility for compensation.
