You have rights, EC reminds passengers

Air and rail passengers are to be made more aware of their legal rights following the launch of a Europe-wide publicity campaign by the European Commission this week.

Posters spelling out the obligations of airlines and rail operators when things go wrong will be displayed in all airports and train stations in member states from this week.

The posters will make it clear what passengers should do if their flights are cancelled or delayed, their bags go missing or they are denied boarding.

Travellers will also have access to free leaflets and a website ( http://ec.europa.eu/passenger-rights) as part of the Your Passenger Rights At Hand campaign.

The launch of the two-year campaign follows the debacle during the ash crisis earlier this year many airlines tried to shirk their responsibilities to stranded passengers, forcing them to cough up their own accommodation costs.

The Commission is hoping to extend passenger rights to other forms of transport, such as ferries and coaches, by the end of this year.

With permission from Travelmole