Dutch lawfirm offers easy way to enforce EU rules

earthman · Post by **earthman** » 09 Jun 2006, 14:30

As reported on luchtvaartnieuws.nl, a Dutch lawfirm has opened a website where passengers can get a (free) standard letter to send to airlines who refused to pay compensation for cancelled/delayed flights, or after denial of boarding. They can also let the lawfirm handle the whole claim for EUR 14,95, and make sure they pay on time, and if not, they start an out of court collection procedure.

If you sent the claim to the airline yourself, and they didn't pay up, they can take over from you, and start the out of court collection procedure. This will cost EUR 50, but they let the airline pay that.

If they still refuse, they can start a collective lawsuit, although this will probably cost you more (not sure if they can claim the litigation costs from the airline, should they win).

Of course, the main advantage of letting them handle the case, is that since they work on behalf of several plaintiffs, the airlines should be more willing to listen to them, than if you tried it by yourself.

I'm sorry if someone thinks I'm just advertising for the lawfirm, but I thought this might be useful information, since airlines always try to avoid paying (Ryanair?).

Post by **sn26567** » 09 Jun 2006, 16:23

Very interesting and informative news. Too many passengers don't know how to complain: this should normally be done, not with the airline, but with the air regulatory authorities of your country. A lawyer would know better, and therefore the Dutch initiative is worth mentioning.

ag894 · Post by **ag894** » 09 Jun 2006, 17:27

I think I will be one of their customers.

I still have issues pending with Vueling where they claimed they will send me a voucher not in line with EC regulations and I am still waiting after 3 or 4 months.

bits44 · Post by **bits44** » 12 Jun 2006, 18:33

It would be helpful to those of us who are not in the EU to explain or outline the rules for denial of service.

Is the fact that your flight was delayed due to weather entitle you to compensation " not the airlines fault" or other delays not under the control of the airline?

KT

earthman · Post by **earthman** » 12 Jun 2006, 19:00

No compensation for cancellations due to weather and other circumstances outside the control of the airline.

bits44 · Post by **bits44** » 12 Jun 2006, 21:59

That makes sense, the airlines should guided by some rules.

Good for the EU

KT