Fast Assistance for Delays and Compensation

The consumer center NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia) has developed a free app called "Flugärger" as a concrete travel aid for airline passengers from Germany. The app quickly and easily checks whether passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of flight delays.

Under the EU's Air Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight is canceled or delayed by three hours or more. This payment can range from €250 to €600, depending on the route, regardless of the price of the ticket. In addition, you may be entitled to reimbursement for other expenses, such as hotel costs or meals, if these services were denied by the airline. An exception is made for cases of "force majeure" or "extraordinary circumstances" such as weather conditions, bird strikes or terminal system failure.

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How the App Simplifies Compensation Claims

Until now, claiming compensation has been a cumbersome process that few travelers have used. Now, thanks to the new app, it is possible to find out if you are entitled to compensation and how much in just a few steps.

Step-by-step instructions ask for the circumstances of the problem, as well as the flight number and departure date. The app has access to a database containing actual departure and arrival times for up to 96 percent of all flights worldwide. The app then calculates the amount the traveler is entitled to and generates a claim letter that can be emailed or mailed to the airline.