Ministry shares insights on flight delays and cancellations in the transport sector
Spanked-up, Straight-talking, Uncensored Guide to Flight Delays and Cancellations in Russia
Listen up, folks! If you're flying in Russia and face a delay or cancellation, here's the lowdown on your rights – no holds barred.
Deputy Minister of Transport Vladimir Poteshkin made it crystal clear that extended stays on planes waiting for restrictions to lift ain't cool. He's asked airlines to nip such issues in the bud pronto.
Now, here's what you need to know:
- Airlines, Get Your Act Together: Vladimir's advice? Improve your tariff policies, beef up personnel, fix call centers, and keep passengers informed about schedule changes.
- Play by the Rules: Don't forget, airline honchos, you gotta follow aviation regulations – or else! These bad boys tell you to offer a mother and child room for kids under seven, calls or messages when delays hit the two-hour mark, refreshments for two+ hours, hot meals for four hours, a hotel if the delay's eight hours (daytime) or six hours (nighttime), and transfers and baggage storage.
But wait, there's more! If you're looking for the nitty-gritty, here's the skinny on what airlines should provide when delays and cancellations strike:
- Know Yer Shit: Airlines should keep you informed about the causes and updates for your delayed or cancelled flight.
- Take Care of Yer Customers: In significant delays (typically over 2 hours for short-haul flights or 4 hours for long-hauls), airlines should offer meals, drinks, communication facilities, and – if it's an overnight doozy – accommodation and transfers.
- Pay Up: Under certain circumstances, if the delay or cancellation is within the airline's control, you might be entitled to some cold, hard cash. Exact amounts depend on the distance of the flight and specific circumstances, and they're defined in Russian law.
- Bouncin' Back: If you're denied boarding due to overbooking, you might be owed some dough – and if airline bigwigs don't play ball, they could face fines, as seen in a recent spat with Pobeda Airlines[4].
Now, remember, the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) determines the specifics of these rights, and actual enforcement can vary. If you've got a beef, refer to your airline's policy, Russian regulations, or seek legal help.
For the been's and bollox of your passenger rights, hit up Rosaviatsia's website or contact the airline directly. Stay savvy – the skies can be rough, but you don't have to be!
[4] Pobeda Airlines fined for denying passengers carriage due to overbooking –example of enforcement of rules related to care and compensation in such cases.
In the realm of aviation, it's essential for airlines to adapt their tariff policies and invest in improved personnel, call centers, and communication for a better travel experience, especially when dealing with flight delays and cancellations.
When it comes to finance, passengers might be entitled to compensation if a delay or cancellation is within the airline's control, under specific circumstances defined by Russian law.
