Bott and Co Solicitors celebrates the 20th anniversary of EU Regulation 261/2004, a landmark legislation that has empowered air travellers across the European Union with unprecedented rights and protections.
EU261 has protected more than 15 billion passengers over the last 20 years, making it one of the most successful pieces of consumer legislation.
Adopted on February 11, 2004, and enforced from February 19, 2005, EU Regulation 261/2004 has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of passengers during unforeseen circumstances such as significant flight delays, flight cancellations and passengers denied boarding. As we commemorate two decades of this transformative regulation, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the positive impact it has had on millions of travellers.
Key highlights of EU Regulation 261/2004 include:
Flight Delay Compensation: Passengers facing substantial flight delays may be eligible for compensation, striking a balance between the needs of airlines and the rights of travellers.
Flight Cancellation Rights: Travellers affected by flight cancellations are entitled to compensation or re-routing, ensuring a level of predictability and protection against last-minute disruptions.
Denied Boarding Compensation: Passengers have the right to compensation and assistance in the event of involuntary denied boarding, ensuring fair treatment and support during such incidents.
The past 20 years have been a turbulent ride for passengers, with airlines routinely raising every legal argument imaginable. It’s pleasing to see that passengers can now enforce their rights easier than ever, with hundreds of thousands now claiming compensation every year.
Bott and Co commend the European Union for its foresight in enacting this regulation, recognising the importance of balancing the interests of both passengers and the aviation industry. We extend our gratitude to the European courts, which have played an integral part in clarifying the law and maximising the success of EU Regulation 261/2004.
Bott and Co’s Flight Compensation solicitor, Coby Benson, helped establish the flight delay compensation sector in the UK.
”The past 20 years have been a turbulent ride for passengers, with airlines routinely raising every legal argument imaginable. Regulation 261/2004 has infamously been one of the most contentious pieces of legislation enacted in Europe, with the European Court of Justice having to provide much needed guidance on dozens of occasions. However, it’s pleasing to see that passengers can now enforce their rights easier than ever, with hundreds of thousands now claiming compensation every year.”
Since our dedicated Flight Delay Compensation Department launched in February 2013, we’ve successfully recovered compensation for more than 231,000 passengers since 2013, claiming over £79M for those impacted by flight delays.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this historic regulation, Bott and Co remains committed to supporting and promoting the rights of air travellers.