Passengers are entitled to compensation for significant delays in multi-segment flights booked as a package, even when operated by different airlines.
Case Text:
CJEU, Judgment of 6 October 2022 – C-436/21
The Court of Justice of the European Union clarified that “direct connecting flights” under EU Regulation 261/2004 include flight chains offered as a package by travel agencies, even when operated by different, independent carriers. A passenger booked a multi-leg journey through a travel agency, resulting in a significant delay at the destination. The court ruled that such travel arrangements qualify as a unified journey under the regulation, entitling the passenger to compensation. This decision strengthens passenger protections, even for complex itineraries.