I feel like flying was at its best back in the 90s or something. Or that might just be because I was a child back then and did not have to deal with all the bullshit. Train travel has so much potential to be better than flying.
It was definitely better: We had real dishes, forks, spoons and knives made of metal, bigger seats, real food. You had not to pay extra for every breath you take.
Only one thing was worse: smoking cabins were a thing back then. I remember sitting between two old guys smoking as a child. That was the worst flight ever 🤢
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Wow, I would definitely have given up after the first denial. It's good to know that if you escalate things enough, you can break through their wall of lies.
It doesn't always go this way. I escalated all the way to the ombudsman, who straight up did not care that the airline and the insurance companies lied, in writing. Apparently the insured traveler is responsible for losses, not the airline, the booking agent, or the insurance company.
It happened to me, I arrived 48h late ! I started doing the claim myself but I honestly would not have the persistence to do it for months and do all the way to court.
But there is companies doing it for you, I found one online, have them my tickets and agreed that would take 30% of my compensation or 50% of a later had to be involved.
Few months later I received an email saying that I won 600€. They are keeping 50% so I will receive 300€. Honestly I should recommend anyone who had a delayed flight in Europe to try that.
I had to sue WizzAir in court in order to get my compensation. It took months and some county court bayliffs to visit them in Luton Airport before I got my money.
You can see all your rights when flying on the europa.eu website, it's a really good resource. As Jacob said though, it is 3 hours before you get compensation.