New app for holidaymakers with cancelled flights and missing luggage

The European Commission has launched a new app for travellers to check their rights while still on holiday.

Holidaymakers stranded at airports or awaiting missing luggage can use the smartphone application to check their rights on air and rail transport. Bus, coach and marine travel will be included in 2013.

European Commission vice president Siim Kallas, responsible for Transport said: "How many of us have stood in an airport and felt the frustration of people telling you that you have no rights when you know you have!

"With this application millions of travellers can have easy access to the right information about their passenger rights when they most need it, when unexpected situations arise."

If a flight is cancelled and the passenger is consequently denied boarding, he or she may be entitled to compensation of between €125 and €600.

If your luggage is damaged as a result of an accident, you may also be entitled to compensation.

During a large-scale emergency, such as experienced following the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis in 2010, the app may also display travel information and advice from the European Commission.

The application is part of the Commission's Your passenger rights at hand campaign.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012