U.S. air travelers were recently surveyed to determine just how much they trust airlines. Basically, they don’t.

• 81% of U.S. travelers are unaware of their rights.
• 55% of United States passengers do not trust airlines to handle compensation claims fairly.
• 33% of passengers have been told of their rights during a flight disruption.

So says AirHelp, a company that helps travelers get compensation for cases of delayed flights, canceled flights and denied boarding. 

Many international travelers experienced disruptions that are eligible under EC 261, and are battling with airlines to be awarded compensation that is rightfully theirs.

Adding insult to injury: airlines lacking in transparency

Under EU law EC261, if a flight is delayed by more than three hours, cancelled, or if you are denied boarding, you may be entitled to financial compensation of up to $700 per person… if the cause of the disruption was in the airline’s control. Arrive late at the gate but the plane did not leave yet, you are still out of luck. EU law EC261 protects U.S. travelers on flights out of the EU and flights to Europe if they are with a European airline.

Not surprising; only one-third (33%) of people in the United States have been informed of their passenger rights during a flight delay or cancellation. Perhaps more troubling: more than half have never had an airline communicate their rights to them following a disruption.

Passengers forced to fight for rights

United States passengers have to contend with poor claims handling by airlines which reject an average of 25% of claims on wrongful grounds. So even passengers who are aware of their right to claim compensation are facing an uphill battle.

Also revealed, 24% of United States passengers facing a significant flight disruption have accepted an airline’s offer of vouchers or food instead of claiming for financial compensation. This is often not the best course of action. Taking vouchers may seem easier but terms of vouchers often make them less valuable than the $compensation.

For more information, visit AirHelp.com/en.