As every year before the holiday travel season the Civil Aviation Authority cooperates with the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection and 35 other institutions in scope of a common information action. We remind about the airline’s passengers rights in the event of delay, cancellation or denied boarding and we list the objects permitted and forbidden in air transportation.
1. When the flight was delayed - an air carrier has a duty to provide the passenger with meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time, and provide two phone calls, sending 2 messages by fax or e-mail. If the departure would be the next day, the carrier has a duty to provide accommodation in a hotel (with transportation to and from the hotel). If the delay is more than five hours and the passenger decides not to fly, the air carrier is obliged to pay the amount due for the ticket. The passenger is also entitled to monetary compensation (from 250 to 600 EUR - depending on the length of the route) if as a result of this delay the passenger arrives at the final destination at least three hours after time the originally scheduled by the air carrier. Such compensation is not payable in the case, if the flight has been delayed for reasons beyond the air carrier (eg. bad weather).
2. When the flight was canceled - the passenger is entitled to a refund (within 7 days) of the full cost of the ticket or re-routing. If the passenger is not informed on time (up to 14 days before departure) of the cancellation or has been advised in a shorter period and at the same time the carrier has not offered him an alternative flight at the time specified by applicable law, the passenger would be entitled to monetary compensation (from 250 to 600 EUR - depending on the length of the route). Such compensation does not apply in cases where the flight was canceled for reasons beyond the air carrier (eg bad weather).
3. When the air carrier denied boarding - the passenger is entitled to compensation (from 250 to 600 EUR - depending on the length of the route) and return (within 7 days) of the full cost of the ticket or re-routing. The carrier also has a duty to take care of the passenger, or provide him/her with meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time, allow the execution of two phone calls, sending 2 messages by fax or e-mail. If the departure will be the next day - the carrier is obliged to provide accommodation in a hotel hotel (with transportation to and from the hotel).
If the carrier has failed to fulfill its obligations, the passenger can submit a complaint to the air carrier according to the European Union Regulation No 261/2004/EC of 11 February 2004.
If the airline does not reply or the answer is not satisfactory for the passenger, he/she may complain to the Commission on Passenger Rights at the Civil Aviation Authority. The complaint shall include:
-a copy of the complaint addressed to the carrier,
-a copy of the reply given by the carrier to the complaint,
-a copy of the booking.
Read more about submitting a complaint to the Committee on the Passengers Rights
What can be transported by plane?
Liquids:
In accordance with the European Union law, the passenger may bring to the restricted area of the airport and on board aircraft liquids, aerosols and gels in containers with a capacity up to 100 ml. Liquids should be inserted into a transparent plastic bag with a capacity of up to 1 liter, whereby the contents of the bag fit comfortably and the bag is completely closed.
New rules for the carriage of liquids in cabin baggage
Food for babies:
It is allowed on board aircraft to bring food for infants e.g.: milk powder, liquid milk, water and fruit juices in quantities intended for consumption during the travel.
Medications:
Liquid medications are possible to transport in the hand luggage, provided that they are necessary for the passenger during the journey. Safety inspection operator may, however, ask for the confirmation of the authenticity of the medication. Medicines do not have to be placed in a plastic bag.
Electronic equipment:
Allowed to be carried in hand luggage.
What cannot be transported by plane?
Cabin luggage - you cannot take on board the aircraft sharp objects such as knives with blades more than 6 cm, scissors with blades of longer than 6 cm as measured from the fulcrum. The hand luggage must not also carry guns and firearms.
It is absolutely prohibited (both in hand luggage and checked-in luggage) to carry explosive substances or flammable, and toxic chemicals.
More information on permitted and prohibited items in luggage can be found on the “white list”. (PL)
Before you begin your holiday trip by air, please make sure you are well prepared – check the CAA guide for passengers! (PL)
