It is hard to believe but we just spent 3 nights "extra" in Zurich due to 3 successive days of United Airlines canceling our flights each
morning are due to "mechanical issues." A friend of mine said that my wife and I are due up to 600 Euros per person for each cancellation. Is anyone aware of this EU policy and HOW to I go about submitting forms for this compensation??
Any help for this nightmare of a wait would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!
This is where you can begin the process your friend was talking about.
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm
If you have travel insurance, it should include a “travel delay” benefit. Be sure to save EVERY receipt for hotel rooms, extra meals, extra transportation (like a shuttle to/from the airport), and anything else that might come up! Also you will need a copy of your original itinerary and proof of the delay (emails from the airline should suffice, along with your eventual boarding passes).
Your travel insurance might also have a “concierge” service that might help you deal with the airline and get you on a flight.
You may also be entitled to reimbursement of your extra expenses. Here is United's we page explaining the EU261 laws for carriers operating in and out of the European Union. https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/destination/international/eudenied.html
I have just received compensation from a European carrier for cancelation in July 2023. I received full reimbursements of 2 nights of hotel and meals. The first claim was only partially reimbursed, but a polite email asking from reconsideration got me my additional out of pocket. As noted, I had to submit all receipts.
My plane's tech issues had to do with a bird strike which is considered extraordinary so not due the 600 (or more) compensation. I have been advised to dispute that as my flight was on a successive day like yours. I haven't decided whether I will push farther or let it go.
There are companies that will file and fight for you, but they take a cut (of course) of any money. Google if you wonder about that route.
So, you have a few things in play here. Your original flight was canceled with less than 14 days notice. Your rescheduled flights did not go as intended. What I am not sure is if all of this will count off of the one original flight or not. I am suspicious it might be. You will want someone in the know to help you with this.
File your claim with United and allow some time for them to process your claim.
One of my siblings had a United flight from the EU cancelled/rescheduled in late June. In August, he was offered a choice of either 600 EUR or a $1000 credit for a future United flight. He also got additional frequent flyer miles. If you don’t have a United FF account, I’d go ahead and set one up.
I am sure United will offer you 600 EUR. I am not sure that you will be offered 1800 EUR (I don’t know the rules when your rescheduled flight gets canceled). Sorry you had to deal with this but I hope you at least get to fund your next trip with the compensation.
