With the start of the summer holidays, many travellers are planning to travel by plane. To make the journey as pleasant as possible, passengers should consider a few important aspects.
However, flight delays and cancellations are particularly common in summer, which can disrupt travel plans. Here you can find out what you should look out for, how to deal with problems and what rights you have as a passenger.
What should passengers pay attention to?
- Early planning: Book your flights early to benefit from a wider selection and often cheaper prices.
- Please note the baggage regulations: Check your airline's baggage regulations to avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport. This also applies to hand luggage, as many airlines have significantly reduced the permitted dimensions in recent years.
- Check in online: Use the option of online check-in to save time at the airport and avoid queues.
- Take out travel insurance: Consider taking out travel insurance that covers you in the event of flight cancellations, lost luggage or illness.
- Current information: Before and during your trip, keep an eye on the latest information about your flight, especially in case of possible strikes or severe weather warnings.
- Alternative airports: Check if there are alternative airports near your destination in case your flight needs to be diverted.
- Required documents: Make sure your travel documents such as passport and visa are valid and meet all entry requirements.
Why are there more flight delays and cancellations in summer?
During summer, the number of air travelers increases dramatically, resulting in congested airports and higher traffic volumes. Severe weather, strikes, technical problems and a variety of other unforeseen events can also cause flight disruptions. Airlines are often forced to adjust schedules or cancel flights to deal with these challenges.
Passengers’ rights in the event of flight delays and cancellations
Passengers in the EU are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of delays, cancellations or overbooking under the Air Passenger Rights Regulation. Benefits may include free meals and refreshments, accommodation if required and compensation payments depending on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay.
Contact points for affected passengers
In Germany, passengers can complain to the Arbitration Board for Public Transport (SÖP) or the Federal Aviation Office (LBA). In Austria, the Agency for Passenger Rights (apf) is responsible, and in Switzerland, passengers can turn to the Swiss Arbitration Board for Public Transport (Arbitration Board).
Good preparation and knowledge of your rights can help ensure that your summer air travel goes smoothly, even if unforeseen disruptions occur.
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