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Differences Between EU and UK Air Passenger Rights After Brexit
Since the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union (Brexit) in January 2020, many people have wondered if and how air passenger rights have changed. This article explores the key differences between EU and UK air passenger rights and the compensation amounts now applicable.
Transition to New Rules After Brexit
Before Brexit, the UK followed the EU's Regulation EC261/2004, which protected air passengers in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. After Brexit, the UK introduced its own regulation, known as UK261, which came into effect in January 2021.
Key Changes in the Rules
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Application of Rules:
- EU: Regulation EC261/2004 applies to flights within the EU, flights arriving in the EU from outside the EU if operated by an EU airline, and flights departing from the EU to any country.
- UK: Regulation UK261 applies to flights within the UK, flights arriving in the UK from outside the UK if operated by a UK airline, and flights departing from the UK to any country.
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Currency of Compensation:
- EU: Compensation is paid in euros.
- UK: Compensation is paid in pounds sterling.
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Compensation Amounts:
- EU: Compensation ranges from €250 to €600 depending on the flight distance.
- UK: Compensation ranges from £220 to £520 depending on the flight distance.
Compensation Amounts in the UK
Under the UK261 regulation, compensation amounts depend on the flight distance and are as follows:
- Short flights (less than 1500 km): £220
- Medium flights (1500 to 3500 km): £350
- Long flights (more than 3500 km): £520
Conclusion
While the core principles of protecting air passenger rights remain similar, the introduction of the UK261 regulation after Brexit has led to some changes, such as the currency of compensation and specific rules for flights operated by UK airlines. It is important to remember that passengers are still protected against delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, whether they are flying to the EU or the UK.
If you have any questions or need assistance with filing a claim, don't hesitate to reach out to MySkyHelp specialists. We are always ready to help you protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.