Europe’s no-fly zone has expanded and experts have no way to predict its end
The no-fly zone within Europe has spread southward from northern Europe. Only airports in the middle Mediterranean and near Istanbul are still open. Until the winds change this current cloud of volcanic dust will hinder air transportation.
Adding to the chaos is the continued eruption of the volcano that is spewing the ash that is causing this problem. Click here or on the picture for a video of current conditions.
Colleague Christopher Elliott noted the passenger rights issues unique to Europe and this volcanic eruption.
What are my rights as an airline passenger?
Your rights are outlined in EU Regulation 261/2004. I would advise reading the rule carefully, as opposed to letting an airline employee interpret it for you. The rule applies to any flight within the EU and to the EU, so if, for example, you’re flying from Washington to London today, read up on this.
Your airline will probably try to invoke a clause that says during “extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken,” the airline is off the hook. So it really depends on your definition of “extraordinary circumstances.”
American carriers flying domestically routinely cancel flights without compensation when there’s an “Act of God” (this is written into their legal contracts) but even when the airline says you’re out of luck, you’re still entitled to a full refund for your ticket.
Under a more customer-friendly interpretation of EU 261, you would be entitled to food and overnight accommodation. I wouldn’t bet on that, though.
How can I find out my airline’s interpretation of EU passenger rights laws?
Check out its contract of carriage on its Web site. They’re sometimes also referred to as conditions of carriage. Here’s British Airways’ for example. Interpretation of the contract and of EU 261 can vary between airlines and even between employees. Which is why you’re better off having the actual contract and law in front of you when your flight is canceled.
What about my travel agent?
If you booked your flight through an agent — and remember, even Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity are agents — then phone the company now. Agents can re-route you around the volcano, possibly even at no extra cost. If you booked directly through an airline, and you’re dealing with a company that cares about its passengers, then rescheduling your flight won’t be a problem — assuming, of course, the plume of ash doesn’t spread, crippling air travel to all of Europe. Then your best option is to take the train (if it’s within Europe) or to cancel your trip.
Would travel insurance do any good?
Maybe. Some policies cover natural disasters, some don’t. Read your policy carefully before making a claim, and get everything in writing. In other words, if a representative tells you to “go ahead and cancel your trip” — which I’ve heard of them doing — be certain you have an email or letter to back up their suggestion that you’ll be covered. Or that your policy explicitly says you’re covered. Sadly, it’s too late to insure your Europe trip against a volcano now that one has erupted.
How do you pronounce “Eyjafjallajokull”?
I have no idea, and I’m not about to try.
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