How to avoid problems on your Christmas flight

The Christmas holidays are a time full of excitement and reunions, but they can also become a problem if you plan to travel by plane. Delays, cancellations or problems with luggage can ruin your plans. But don't worry: if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises or know how to act in the event of an incident, follow these practical tips.

TIPS TO AVOID PROBLEMS BEFORE THE FLIGHT

A successful trip starts with good planning and prevention. Before you arrive at the airport, make sure you follow these recommendations:

Check the flight schedule

The first step is to confirm that your flight will depart on time – airlines usually inform passengers of any changes, but it's always best to be proactive. Check the status of your flight via the airline's website, mobile apps or airport information boards – if you detect a delay or cancellation in advance, you'll have more time to make alternative arrangements.

Make sure your luggage meets the rules

Carrying prohibited items in your luggage is a common mistake that can delay your passage through security. Before packing, check the airline's regulations regarding dimensions and permitted contents. Some items such as liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects or external batteries must be treated according to security guidelines.

Arrive at the airport early

Airports tend to be much busier around Christmas time. Allow extra time for check-in, baggage checks and security checks. For extra security, arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.

WHAT TO DO IF THE FLIGHT IS DELAYED OR CANCELED

Even if you take all precautions, you are not exempt from experiencing delays or cancellations on your flight. In these cases, it is essential to know your rights as a passenger and act efficiently.

Passenger rights in the event of a delay

If your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours upon arrival at its final destination, you are entitled to financial compensation. The compensation amounts depend on the distance of the flight:

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
• €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
• €600 for flights over 3,500 km.

* All of this applies to flights departing from or arriving in the EU. It is important to note that these compensations are applicable if the delay is not due to extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions or unforeseen strikes.

Rights in the event of cancellation

In the event of a flight cancellation, the airline is obliged to offer you alternative transport or refund the ticket price. In addition, if you have not been notified in sufficient time (at least 14 days), you can also claim financial compensation similar to that for delays.

Claiming is a complicated process

Although it seems simple, filing a claim with an airline is often a long and frustrating process. Companies reject most claims, citing exceptional circumstances or other legal excuses. For this reason, it is highly recommended to let a specialized law firm handle your claim. Professional law firms with experience in this field, such as your claim to Iberia, will be managed quickly and efficiently, guaranteeing you the best results.

Traveling during Christmas can be tricky, but with good planning you can minimize the risks and avoid many problems.