Simplified Flight Compensation: The Federal Ministry's New Online Solution for Delayed or Canceled Flights
Online platform introduced by Federal Ministry for convenient passenger handling during flight hold-ups
Get ready to assert your rights more easily! The Federal Ministry of Justice has introduced a novel online platform to help passengers claim compensation for delayed or canceled flights. This new service allows passengers to determine if they are entitled to compensation and the potential amount they may receive.
If an agreement cannot be reached with the airline, you can even file a lawsuit online. Usually, passengers should first attempt to resolve the issue with the airline directly. However, if the issue persists despite these efforts, it's good to know the option of asserting rights through a lawsuit is just a click away.
Seven courts located near major airports (Bremen, Düsseldorf, Erding, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Königs Wusterhausen, and Nürtingen) enable digital lawsuits. To use this service, you'll need a "Mein Justizpostfach" account, which requires an online ID and the BundID.
When a flight is canceled, passengers may be entitled to compensation, and other costs such as food, transfers, or accommodation may also be covered. According to the Federal Ministry of Justice, compensation may arise in situations like a three-hour delay at the destination airport, a cancellation less than 14 days before departure, or an overbooking.
By spending around ten minutes on the new portal, passengers can discover if they are eligible for compensation, and the compensation amount can reach up to 600 euros based on trip distance. In case of a successful claim, passengers will receive the compensation. However, in the event of a failed claim, the court costs and opposing party's legal fees will be borne by the claimant.
Federal Minister of Justice, Volker Wissing, highlighted that this online service for passenger rights marks a significant advancement towards a digital, future-oriented justice system. This project also aims to further digitalize the legal system in the future.
Keep in mind that the Federal Ministry of Justice in Germany primarily focuses on flight delay or cancellation compensation claims under the European Union's regulations, such as EU Regulation 261/2004, which governs flight delay and cancellation compensation within the EU.
To initiate a claim for flight delay or cancellation compensation, you'll need the following:
- Flight details (flight number, departure and arrival airports, and date).
- Determination of whether the delay or cancellation was due to "extraordinary circumstances."
- Proof of a delay of at least three hours.
- Relevant documentation, including boarding pass, flight itinerary, and any communications from the airline.
After determining eligibility, contact the airline directly or use online tools to file your compensation claim. If unsuccessful, consider employing the services of a third-party claim service that specializes in flight delay compensation.
Sources: ntv.de, afp
[1] Time Limit: It is essential to check the specific time limit for filing a compensation claim in Germany, as it typically ranges from six months to three years depending on the circumstances and the laws chosen for the claim.
- The Federal Ministry's new online solution not only focuses on flight delay or cancellation compensation, but also extends its aid to small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them navigate through the industry by offering financial assistance and technological resources.
- As the digitalization of the legal system continues to progress, it is expected that the German Federal Ministry of Justice will soon provide aid for small and medium-sized enterprises, offering online platforms for industry-related disputes and finance management, facilitating a smooth and efficient operation for these businesses.
