Coping with flight issues can be really frustrating. However, the bright side is that the European Union has laws to help travelers when things go wrong. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s a good idea to know about these regulations. They can come in handy if your flight gets messed up.
Being aware of your options can make handling travel complications much easier. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can reduce your anxiety when things go wrong.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
If your flight encounters issues in the EU, you’ll get support. EU laws make sure airlines assist their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you:
- Meals and beverages
- A hotel room if you’re stuck overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also receive:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the trouble
Don’t forget to ask airline representatives about these things if your plans change. They are obligated to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
French Bee Flight Delay Compensation
Flight delays from French Bee can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re delayed for more than three hours owing to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Regulations in the UK and EU are in your favor. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What counts is when you land, not when you depart. So monitor your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on the length of your journey. A short flight won’t get you as much money as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed the same amount of time.
Curious about exactly how much you could get? Check out the table below to see what compensation you could receive:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
French Bee Flight Cancellation Compensation
The EU has regulations to help you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s the important information:
If your flight is cancelled less than two weeks before your planned travel date, you might get compensation as much as €600. But keep in mind – the airline can avoid paying if they can get you on another flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The carrier can bypass compensation if they provide an alternative flight that meets the following conditions:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
If you accept a different flight from the airline, you can still get compensation. What matters most is your arrival time at your destination.
How much money you might get is determined by two factors:
- How far you’re flying
- How late you arrive
As a result, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you could still be eligible for compensation.
Refer to the table below to see more details:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
The airline might not be required to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you’re just a little late, you might not be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from French Bee
It’s crucial to be aware of how to request the compensation you’re eligible for under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s the process:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Don’t forget that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational reasons or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which French Bee Flights are Covered by EU261?
The EU’s air passenger protection laws have a wide-ranging scope. They apply to every flight leaving an airport in an EU member state and every flight landing at a European Union member state airport if the flight is operated by an EU airline.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also cover airlines from Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. This means if you’re traveling with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you probably have these rights. It’s important to know about these laws – they’re there to assist you if something goes wrong with your flight. They make sure you’re not left on your own when your travel plans fall through.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
French Bee is not always at fault when flights are delayed or cancelled. Occasionally, events occur that the airline is powerless against, like severe weather conditions or unforeseen issues.
For example, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an emergency at the airport, or air traffic controllers go on strike, French Bee is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about.
When these situations occur, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues arise.