Changes in Flight Schedule or Itinerary (By the Airline)

We’ve discussed flight delays, flight cancellations and denied boarding.

But what if there are changes in flight schedule or itinerary? What happens in situations like these? Is there something the airline has to provide you with? Are you entitled to compensation in this case?

According to ANAC 400, passengers must be informed about changes in flight schedule and itinerary. If they are not informed, the passengers are entitled to a new flight or full refund. 

The regulation applies to both domestic and international flights.

Read on to learn more about your rights.

Changes in Flight Schedule or Itinerary (By the Airline)

What if the airline changes your flight?

According to ANAC 400, passengers must be informed about flight changes. If passengers are not informed, a new flight or full refund must be offered.

What Kind of Changes Does the Regulation Cover?

• Changes in flight schedule (e.g., the flight departs later or earlier);
• Itinerary changes (e.g., direct flight changed to a connecting flight);
• Any other flight change.

In case of flight changes, passengers must be informed at least 72 hours before scheduled departure time. If they are not informed of informed later than that, they are entitled to choose between a new flight or a full refund.

ANAC 400: Flight Changes by the Airline

Here is what the airlines are allowed to do.

The airline is allowed to change flight departure time by 30 minutes for domestic flights and 1 hour for international flights, as long as the passengers are notified at least 72 hours before the original departure time.

If the passenger hasn’t received any information about the change of departure time (or it was sent less than 72 hours before departure), the airline must offer a new flight or a full refund. If the passenger hasn’t received any information about changes in flight schedule, and only finds out about it upon arriving at the airport, the airline also must provide material assistance. Keep in mind that you are still entitled to a new flight or reimbursement, even if you accept material assistance at the airport.

If flight departure time is changed by more than 30 minutes for domestic flights and 1 hour for international flights, the airline must offer a new flight or full refund.

Are You Entitled to Compensation?

No.

According to ANAC 400, you can’t get compensation in situations like these.

Source: www.anac.gov.br/en