Some of you might have read my earlier posts about Olympic Airlines and our two canceled flights, which not only shortened our holidays, but also brought on extra work (unsuccessful calls, standing in lines to make flight and hotel reservations, filling out paperwork, reciting one’s claims to the airport desk, etc.).

On July 23, I mailed off two claim forms with attached proof (including receipts, booking confirmation). Instead of writing a detailed letter, this easy-to-fill out claimform helps you – and Olympic Airlines – to give all the necessary details to process your claim.

I did not really expect much in forms of monetary support, but yet mailed it off registered receipt, hoping to at least get a reponse.

Today, within seven days, I got a reply stating we three adults and one child are entitled to a reimbursement of € 250,00 per person and € 125,00 per child for the first canceled flight. This reimbursement policy did not apply to the second canceled flight as this was officially caused by a strike.

I got a personal letter with an apology from Olympic Airlines. Now all I have to do is signing the included Indemnity Form, in which I release Olympic Airlines from any responsibility or further claims whatsoever from my part or any person designated by me with regard to this claim

Quoted from Helping air passengers whose journeys are disrupted:

“Immediate assistance must be provided to passengers whatever the cause of the delay, whether the problem is within the airline’s control or not. In certain circumstances where the airline is responsible for the journey being disrupted – in particular when a passenger is denied boarding – the airline must also pay compensation to the passenger.”

It pays to know and claim your rights.

The most recent issue of the ADAC published an interesting post, namely low budget airlines – such as Ryanair – also have to supply its passengers with room and board in case of a canceled flight.

The article stated the Koblenzer Oberlandesgericht (OLG,Az. 10 U 385/07) ruled that expenses – in the case of cancellation and or a substantial departure delay by the airline – are not to be carried by the passenger. The case cited was a passenger who had booked a return flight from Spain to Frankfurt Hahn airport. Due to fog the flight was canceled and the passenger had to remain another two days in Spain. During those two days she got no assistance from the airline.

Based on a EU- agreement all airlines – low budget airlines included – have to supply meals and, if needed, accommodation as well.