Color codes and flight compensation during the vacation
The Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made a system to make travelling in Europe more understandable for travellers during corona. Countries can change their corona rules every day, which will have an effect on tourism. Because of these insecure times many travellers find it unclear which country they can travel to. By dividing countries into four colors Belgium tries to simplify the current complex situation.
Unfortunately the system has not gained uniformity across Europe yet. There are still many people who haven’t heard about the color codes: how this can affect your flight and what to do if your flight suddenly gets cancelled due to corona restrictions.
Color codes and corona
The Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a list of the current travel situation for European countries divided into four colors: green, yellow, orange and red. The list serves only as a guideline for non-essential travel, such as tourism. The overview is based on currently available information obtained from the Food Chain Safety and Environment of Belgium: FPS Public Health. Countries that are not on the list and/or outside of Europe are considered forbidden, it is advised not to travel to these countries. When necessary the list is updated daily at 4 o’clock and no rights can be derived from the overview.
The color codes indicate the security risks in a country or area:
- Green: no special security risks
- Yellow: pay attention, security risks
- Orange: only necessary trips
- Red: do not travel
The color codes also indicate the corona measures in a country or area:
- Green: no corona measures that affect the trip / stay
- Yellow: corona measures with limited impact on daily life
- Orange: daily life is disrupted, an entry ban may apply
- Red: this country or area is completely closed off with no prospect of entry and exit
The given travel advice is not binding. You are responsible for choosing whether or not to travel. The government has advised against traveling outside Europe this summer.
What if the color code of your travel destination changes to orange after you have booked?
It is very unfortunate if you booked a flight and suddenly the color code of your flight changes to orange before you have left. The color green and yellow do not affect your flight, but this is different for the color code orange. If the color code changes from yellow to orange it means flying will be at your own risk. Unless your flight is necessary, we strongly advise against travelling. There are multiple reasons why it could be unwise to travel, including: chance of forced quarantine up to 14 days, the airline cannot guarantee to pay for your return ticket and if the color of the destination changes to red you are forbidden to leave the country.The best thing to do is to get in contact with your airline. They will tell you if the flight is changed, cancelled or rebooked. If they cancelled your booking they have to offer you compensation. They will most likely offer you a flight coupon. Do not by any means cancel your flight. By doing this you will lose your right for any compensation.
What are my rights for flight compensation regarding the coronavirus?
The right for flight compensation depends on the alarming color codes: orange and red. If the color code of your destination changes to red after booking you will get 100% money compensation. This is a bit different for orange. Only with a few flight insurances you have the right to get your money back. It is best to check the insurance’s policy conditions regarding color codes, before booking a ticket with insurance. Furthermore if you booked without flight insurance and without cancelling your flight, then you are entitled to any form of compensation the airline is willing to offer you. This could be a rebooking or voucher.
Flight compensation regarding corona can be difficult because this is considered an extraordinary circumstance. More information about extraordinary circumstances.
Claim at Claim24
In conclusion, several situations are conceivable in which airlines are responsible for compensating the passenger. We are able to resolve the issues on the basis of the legal text and court rulings. Do you have a similar situation? Then you can always get the best advice in the field of flight disruptions from Claim24. Fill in the form on our homepage. A claim is made quickly and easily!
Joe Kuijpers
As chief operating officer I am responsible for the operational affairs within Claim24. My daily activities consist of monitoring or improving our services and managing our team of enthusiastic employees in the Netherlands and +10 international countries.
