Originally Posted by
ClimbGuy
I stand corrected, could you please provide some detail on 'duty of care'
First, to clarify:
The EU regulations apply to all airlines on flights *from* the EU (plus Switzerland and Norway); in addition, they apply to EU carriers on flights *to* the EU (plus Switzerland and Norway).
The cash compensation provisions of the regulation do not apply to weather issues including of course the volcano. However, other passenger rights apply.
Those rights are summarized here:
"This is a situation which is causing immense difficulties for passengers travelling throughout Europe. It can be considered a very exceptional circumstance. Nevertheless, it is important to remind passengers and airlines that EU passenger rights do apply in this situation" :
the right to receive information from airlines (e.g. on your rights, on the situation as it evolves, cancellations and length of delays)
the right to care (refreshments, meals, accommodation as appropriate)
the right to chose between reimbursement of fares or be re-routed to final destination
In an exceptional circumstance such as this, passengers are not however entitled to additional financial compensation that would be the case where delays or cancellations are the fault of the airline.
Also see here:
http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/press_of...-rights_en.htm