Flight Delay Rights: Claim Compensation

Questioner

I had a 17 hour delay with the plane. The airline indicates that this was not their fault. (the door of the plane did not close properly due to a collision, which meant that we could not fly). Now they say that we are not entitled to compensation for a delay of more than 4 hours. Because they could not do anything about the collision. While we heard from the pilot that the ground staff had placed the stairs too hard against the door, which meant that the door did not close properly. In our opinion, a mistake that could have been prevented. What to do? Because with a delay of more than 4 hours you are entitled to compensation.

Lawyer

Dear questioner, The above reason does not seem to me to be grounds for an appeal to force majeure by the airline. It is best to file a complaint with the airline, in writing, and request compensation. Most companies have a standard complaint form for this. If it concerns a booked trip via a travel organization, then you should file the complaint with them. This should be done as soon as possible, please consult the travel conditions for this. It is unclear to me whether you have already filed a complaint. If you do not have legal expenses insurance, you can contact the Transport and Water Management Inspectorate. They can help you further if your complaint is not handled properly. You can contact them via the following email address: loket@ivw.nl. Trusting that this has answered your question.