Commission for Aviation RegulationRegulation (EC) No 1107/2006

concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility

when travelling by air

What does the Regulation mean for you?

• If you need assistance, either moving through the airport or boarding/disembarking the aircraft, you are entitled to receive it.

Where does the Regulation apply?

• The Regulation applies at all airports within the European Union (EU).

• The Regulation applies on all flights within, and out of, the EU and it applies to flights from third countries (like the United States) to the EU where these are operated by Community-licensed carriers.

How can I request assistance?• You can request assistance by notifying your

air carrier (either directly or via your tour operator) at the time of booking or as soon as possible thereafter. Your air carrier will notify the airports on your behalf.

• All European air carriers will have a contact number or an email address dedicated to taking requests – check their websites!

IMPORTANT!• Assistance is only guaranteed when requested

at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure time.

• If you request assistance less than 48 hours before your scheduled departure time, reasonable efforts will be made to assist you but help is not guaranteed.

At the Airport• All airports within the EU have designated

points of arrival/departure. • Many of these designated points are equipped

with intercoms to allow you to announce your arrival at the airport.

• Once the airport is aware of your arrival, you will be collected and taken to check-in, through security, to the boarding gate and then onto the aircraft.

On-board the aircraft: Assistive Devices

• If you wish to bring mobility equipment or assistive devices (such as oxygen concentrators) on your journey, make sure that the air carrier can facilitate the make and model you use (Article 4(3)).

• It is important to remember that different air carriers will have different rules and requirements – you will need to do some research!

Assistance Dogs

• Regulation 1107 states that recognised assistance dogs are entitled to travel in the cabin with you but you will need to make sure that your air carrier is licensed to carry animals and that the airports you wish to travel from/to can also accommodate them.

• You can do this by contacting the Dept. of Agriculture (Pet Passport Section).

Seating• In compliance with other safety legislation

many air carriers have designated seating for passengers with reduced mobility, so it may not be possible to choose where you would like to sit. Check with your air carrier in advance to be certain that their seating policies suit you.

In summary….• You are entitled to assistance both at the airport and

on-board the aircraft. • Assistance is guaranteed if requested at least 48

hours in advance.• Do some research to be sure that the air carrier can

accommodate your particular requirements (they should publish details regarding any restrictions/limitations they impose per Article 4(3)).

• Request confirmation from the air carrier of the assistance requested where possible.

• Allow plenty of time at the airport.

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishes common rules on compensation and

assistance to passengers in the event of flight cancellations, long flight delays and instances of

denied boarding.

Your Rights in Brief… Cancellations• Where a flight is cancelled you are entitled to choose

between re-routing (either as soon as possible or at a later date at your convenience) or a refund of the cost of your flight ticket.

• If you choose re-routing as soon as possible, the air carrier must provide you with care and assistance whilst waiting on your alternative flight.

• You are also entitled to compensation unless the air carrier can prove that the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures were taken.

Your Rights in Brief… Delays• Where a flight is delayed by certain prescribed time

frames, then the air carrier must provide you with care and assistance.

• If your flight is delayed for more than 5 hours and decide not to travel, you are entitled to receive a refund of the cost of your ticket.

• Compensation may be payable unless the air carrier can prove that the delay was the result of extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures were taken.

Commission for

Aviation Regulationwww.aviationreg.ie

3rd Floor Alexandra House, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

Tel: 00353 (0)1 6611700