Overview
- Air France-KLM added a €50 surcharge to long‑haul economy return tickets as airlines warned of further fare increases, and a Transport & Environment study estimates fuel costs up by about €29 per passenger on intra‑EU flights and €88 on long‑haul trips from Europe.
- Under the EU Flight Passenger Rights Regulation, travelers facing a cancellation or long delay can choose a refund or an alternative flight and are entitled to meals, hotel stays when needed, and transport between airport and hotel.
- Compensation under EU rules depends on when passengers were told and the flight distance, and airlines can avoid paying it only if they prove extraordinary circumstances, while technical faults generally do not excuse them.
- Germany’s federal guidance points travelers to a free app and a Justice Ministry online pre‑check to assess claims and to no‑cost arbitration bodies if airlines do not respond within two months, and it notes the Federal Police handle delays at security while airlines are responsible for check‑in queues.
- Rising fuel costs do not allow blanket post‑booking price hikes for standalone flight tickets without a valid clause, package tour prices can rise only within strict limits and with notice, and package travelers benefit from insolvency protection that flight‑only buyers usually lack.