Explainers
What is EU 261, the Sturgeon ruling, a PIR, a codeshare? Plain-language concept explainers — with the exact legal reference attached.
All 9 topics
EU 261/2004 — what is it?EU 261/2004 is the European passenger rights regulation. Mandatory since 2005: compensation €250-€600, reimbursement or re-routing, and care during delays.Read Sturgeon ruling (C-402/07)The Sturgeon ruling (ECJ, 19 November 2009) holds that passengers delayed 3+ hours on arrival can claim the same compensation as for cancellation.Read Wallentin-Hermann (C-549/07)The Wallentin-Hermann ruling (ECJ, 22 December 2008) blocks the most common airline excuse: "technical fault so no compensation".Read Extraordinary circumstances (EU 261 Art. 5(3))Art. 5(3) EU 261/2004 — the one exception that can block compensation. Four requirements + a list of what does and does not qualify, per ECJ case law.Read Montreal Convention (1999)The Montreal Convention governs air carriers' liability for damage to passengers and baggage. In force since 4 November 2003.Read PIR — Property Irregularity ReportThe PIR is the official form for registering a baggage issue at the airport. No PIR, no claim — remember this before leaving baggage claim.Read Codeshare flight — who is responsible?In codeshare, airline A sells the seat but airline B operates the aircraft. For EU 261 claims only the operating carrier is liable (Van der Lans C-257/14).Read ILT vs Geschillencommissie — which when?Two escalation options for aviation claims. ILT is free supervision (no money to you); Geschillencommissie issues binding ruling (€52.50 cost). When to choose which?Read EHIC vs travel insurance — what covers what?The free EHIC card covers basic medical care in EU. Travel insurance covers repatriation, stress assistance, and everything outside EU. Not interchangeable — you need both.Read