Air passenger rights in the European Union

Under EU and Irish law, you have certain rights when travelling by air with European airlines. All European airlines, travel agents, tour operators and businesses providing air transport services must observe your rights.

EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 sets out the rights and entitlements of airline passengers in instances of flight cancellation, delay, downgrading and denied boarding.

EU Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 concerns the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air.

Baggage complaints are usually governed by the Montreal Convention 1999.

The Department of Transport has overall responsibility for air passenger rights policy. However, the Irish Aviation Authority is the National Enforcement Body under Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 and Regulation (EC) 1107/2006. There is no designated body in Ireland for the Montreal Convention.

Full information about air passenger rights and entitlements is available at the IAA's website.

Anyone who has already corresponded with the airline but is unsatisfied with their response or has not received a reply after 6 weeks is advised to contact the Irish Aviation Authority. Formal complaints can be submitted via their website.

For further information on consumer rights regarding lost or damaged luggage visit https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/air-travel/airline-liability/

If your flight has been booked as part of a package holiday, you may have additional rights under consumer laws such as the Package Travel Directive. Further information can be found here.

If you feel that your general consumer rights have been infringed, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission at www.ccpc.ie may be in a position to offer you further advice.

Legislation

European Communities (Rights of Disabled Persons and Persons

with Reduced Mobility when Travelling by Air) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 299 of 2008)

Sections 42, 45A of the Aviation Regulation Act 2001

European Communities (Compensation and Assistance to Air Passengers) (Denied Boarding, Cancellation or Long Delay of Flights) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 506 of 2011)

Regulation No. 5 of European Communities (Common Rules for the Operation of Air Services in the Community) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 426 of 2008)