airberlin topbonus - ... Air Berlin and your cancellations, please help!!!!

Hello All,

I was supposed to fly with Air Berlin from Valencia to Cologne/Bonn 2 hours ago and they cancelled my flight. Normally an extra day in Spain reimbursed by my company wouldnt be so bad except that tomorrow I have an interview for a promotion at work at 9AM. The interview had already been rescheduled once due to this trip so by the time I get another interview appointment the position will probably be filled.

As of right now it looks like Air Berlin cant even get me an early flight home and Ill be stuck on the late flight tomorrow night. I am more sad than anything because I feel helpless. What am I entitled to from Air Berlin? Its not like than can give me my interview back or fix my career but they should give me some sort of compensation? Anyone have experience with this?

Please help me!!!!!!!!

I believe that a cancellation within 2 weeks before departure legally entitles you to a compensation. Not sure what the amount is, but you could look it up. I would, if this is an important meeting, then book the first flight (on another carrier) to your destination.

Well... the OP posted yesterday evening, and the interview was supposed to be at 9 am this morning... I doubt any carrier would have got them to their destination in time for that.

so Air Berlin managed to fly me back yesterday evening, reaching Cologne around 5:30PM and obviously missing the meeting in the morning. They paid for the hotel, taxi, meals etc. but did not cover internet connection in the hotel room.

Does anybody know what kind of compensation I am entitled to? I know I am entitled to compensation but I just want to know what Air Berlin or other airlines do in situations like this.

Thx

Compensation depends on the reason for the delay.

If it's something that's outside the airline's control (like weather) then all you are entitled to are your expenses.

If the cancellation was for mechanical/operational reasons you are entitled to a fixed amount, as laid down in regulation EU261/2004.

If you google the regulation number you should find the information, including the amount (there are various bands)

Well, AB paid for the hotel, transfer, meals, so you can consider yourself lucky already....

Be prepared for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG fight with AB regarding compensation.....

So far I have had only frustrating experiences with them in that regard.... When things go well, I love AB and their great FA's!

This could come into sharper focus once AB joins oneworld next year.