Passengers who have flown with TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 might be able to claim up to £1,400 each.
The rules aren't new, but rather to do with a worldwide agreement signed in 1999 and put into action in 2003.The Montreal Convention makes airlines responsible for any harm to health, flight delays, cancellations, and loss or damage to bags during your flight.This means you can ask for money back for a number of things that could go wrong, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The biggest claims are likely to be when an airline has lost someone's bags. According to TUI's website: "The air carrier is liable for destruction, loss or damage to baggage up to 1,288 SDRs (approximately £1,400). In the case of checked baggage, it is liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective. In the case of unchecked baggage the carrier is liable only if at fault."
TUI also said the most money you can get back for delayed bags is around £1,400. If your luggage is lost or damaged, you should tell TUI within seven days.
easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 also have to follow this agreement, so passengers might be able to claim up to £1,400. Ryanair said if your bags are damaged, you must report it at the airport when you arrive, and make a claim to Ryanair within seven days. If your luggage is lost, you should report it at the airport when you arrive, and make a claim within 21 days.
Jet2's website advises travellers: "If you experience any loss, damage, or delay to your baggage you must tell our team straight away. Please make sure that you complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport, as without this document our Customer Services team may not be able to process your claim. You will also need to keep a copy of the completed PIR."
It's worth noting that there are specific EU laws around what compensation or refunds you're entitled to if a flight is delayed or cancelled. If an airline cancels your flight, you're entitled to a refund. However, when it comes to delays and compensation, the rules depend on the length of your flight and destination.
Generally, if a flight is delayed by over two hours you'll be entitled to the following:
- A reasonable amount of food and drink (often provided in the form of vouchers)
- A means for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of your calls)
- Accommodation, if you are re-routed the next day (usually in a nearby hotel)
- Transport to and from the accommodation (or your home, if you are able to return there)
If your airline doesn't provide vouchers or pay for these up front, make sure you keep any receipts for payments you have to make - and stick to reasonable costs or your claim may be rejected. You can find out more on the Civil Aviation Authority website.
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