Expert: Roberto Gomes - 8/10/2008

Question
Hellow,
Three days ago I traveled from Larnaca (Cyprus) to Athens. The flight schedule was for 12.30am. At 12.45 they told us that we were going to fly at 13.30. At 13.30 they made it at 15.00 and they gave us a 7euro voucher. No other information. At 15.00 they took us to the plane where we stayed until 16.30 with no air-conditioning and they didn’t let us out. Is that legal? What are the rules of IATA for staying in the aircraft for so long? I agree that first of all is safety but do you thing that was the best way to handle?
Thank you


Answer
Dear Pambos,

According to Olympic Airlines website, unfortunately the Greek Air Code states that ...

"6. Carrier undertakes to use its best efforts to carry the passenger and baggage with reasonable dispatch. Times shown in timetables or elsewhere are not guaranteed and form no part of this contract. Carrier may without notice substitute, alternate carriers or aircraft and may alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket in case of necessity. Schedules are subject to change without notice. Carrier assumes no responsibility for making connections. The Carrier may without notice substitute aircraft, and if it deems it necessary because of technical reasons or circumstances beyond its control, cancel, interrupt, re-route, postpone, or delay any flight or continuing segments or reserved seat and decide whether any departure or arrival should be made, and this without any liability except to refund the prorated value of the ticket and baggage charges according to the unused portion of the ticket."

In my opinion it leaves the customer at his/her own risk. Iata does not regulate such issue, only makes recommended practices, that I'm sure are far away from the procedures used on your flight.

A letter of complain in this case is highly recommended.

Best Regards,
R.Gomes