Seeking Advice on Compensation for a Terrible Travel Experience

Itinerary Advice
1

Hello, I need some advice on whether we’re eligible for compensation for a terrible travel experience we recently had. If not, I just wanted to vent about the experience at the very least.

My wife, daughter, and I were flying back from Sarajevo, Bosnia, with a 1-hour layover in Munich, Germany, and then on to Atlanta, Georgia. Here’s what happened:

  • Flight Canceled in Munich: Our flight to Atlanta was canceled 30 minutes before boarding with no explanation. We waited in line for hours to speak to someone and arrange a different flight. We were told that we couldn’t fly directly back to Atlanta unless we waited for 2 days.
  • Rebooked on Another Flight: Lufthansa agents rebooked us on a flight with “Discover” airlines to Philadelphia, but these weren’t the bassinet seats we had originally paid for.
  • Delays and Cancellation in Philadelphia: Our connecting American Airlines flight in Philadelphia was delayed 5 times before being canceled around 11 p.m. We had to rebook for a flight the next day at 8 p.m. and stay in a hotel overnight. We couldn’t retrieve our checked bags, as they would be waiting for us in Atlanta.

This whole ordeal lasted over 60 hours, and it was an incredibly stressful experience, especially with a young child.

Has anyone else gone through something similar? Are we eligible for any sort of compensation from the airlines? Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. If we’re not eligible for compensation, I just needed to share this frustrating experience with others who might understand. :thinking: :thinking: :thinking:

2

You might be eligible for compensation under EU rules since the cancellation was in Munich, and you should also contact American Airlines about the delays in Philadelphia. Reach out to the airlines with all your details and receipts. If you have travel insurance, check if it covers these issues. It’s worth pursuing compensation and sharing your experience for others to be aware.

3

I’ve been through my share of chaotic travel experiences, but nothing quite as exhausting as your 60-hour ordeal. Based on what you described, you might be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 since your canceled flight originated in Munich. The EU law can cover compensation for flight cancellations and long delays, especially if you were rebooked under less favorable conditions (like losing the bassinet seats you paid for). You should start by contacting Lufthansa directly, referencing the regulation, and outlining your experience. For the delays and cancellation in Philadelphia, American Airlines might offer some compensation too, though it could be more limited. I completely get how frustrating it is, especially with a child involved, so even if compensation doesn’t fully make up for it, sharing the story at least lets others know they’re not alone.