July 21, 2025, 3:04 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The flight is delayed or canceled, the suitcase is damaged or completely lost: Air travelers can find out what rights they have with just a few clicks.
A canceled flight, lost luggage, or hours of waiting at the gate—such travel mishaps can cost not only nerves but also money. What many don’t know: In the EU, passengers often have the right to compensation of up to 600 euros. Thanks to digital tools, enforcing these rights is much easier.
Overview
Quick Help from the European Consumer Center
Those looking to understand their rights after flight issues can find a new, helpful online tool at the European Consumer Center (EVZ). The interactive service was expanded just in time for the summer travel season. With a few clicks, affected individuals can check their rights—such as in cases of flight cancellations, delays, or lost luggage.
The tool provides an easy-to-understand overview of individual claims and highlights what is important for enforcement. Additionally, a practical template letter generator helps quickly create a letter to the airline.
To facilitate communication with the airline, the EVZ also provides a list of direct links to the online contact forms of many European airlines.
Alternative Contact Points and Mediation Options
In addition to the EVZ, other organizations offer support. For example, the Consumer Center of North Rhine-Westphalia provides a free app that allows travelers to check their rights in case of flight problems and assert them directly with the airline. Another free option is the Air Passenger Rights Online Portal of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
If there is no response from the airline despite all efforts, air travelers can contact the Travel & Transport Mediation Board to enforce their rights. Applications can also be submitted online and free of charge.
Also of interest: Missed Flight Due to Line–Passenger’s Own Fault!
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More Passenger Rights? EU Debates Reform
Portals Receive Commission
Those who shy away from dealing with the airline themselves can hire air passenger rights portals. These legal-tech providers first check for free whether a claim exists. If compensation is subsequently enforced, a commission of up to 40 percent is charged to the user.
EU Regulation on Air Passenger Rights
The basis for compensation claims is an EU regulation. It applies to all flights departing from an airport within the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, or Iceland. For landings from third countries, it only applies if the operating airline is based in one of these countries. Since Brexit, the United Kingdom has its own, substantively identical regulation.
With material from dpa