Terminals are overcrowded. Delays and cancellations of flights. Airports are littered with thousands of bags. It might surprise travelers to learn that Europe’s air travel is more chaotic than the United States.
Since 2021, the operational reliability of European airlines have dropped dramatically. Even short-haul intraeuropean flights are subject to delays and cancellations, so it is difficult for airlines to continue operating. Airlines are now focusing on intercontinental long-haul flights. This means that travelers flying nonstop from New York to Paris will have a chance of finishing the flight within the published timeframe. However, connecting to Paris from another European destination may have difficulties.
People have been left waiting in terminals for hours as they search for the right flight. There are now more than a million less ground handlers, customer services agents, and baggage loaders in Europe, which means that passengers will have to wait longer for their flight.
Some countries have set limits on how many people can enter a terminal at one time to reduce airport congestion. This has led to lines stretching to the streets leading up to the airports. The line forms at Dublin Airport in Ireland around 2 a.m. By 3 a.m., travelers have gathered outside the terminal and are sometimes waiting for three hours to reach security or get to the airline counter.
A shortage of ground handlers or baggage loaders means that flights can be delayed further. 1000 flights were canceled at London’s Gatwick Airport last week. British Airways cancelled 10,000 summer flights just this week. This brings the total number of flights that British Airways has canceled in the last few week to 30,000.
Frankfurt Airport is experiencing similar problems to travelers. There are thousands of passengers bags stacked up in claim areas. This is due to missed connections, not enough baggage handlers, or airline employees, to identify the bags and begin the process of reuniting them.
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is the worst example. The government attempted to limit the number people allowed in the terminal’s premises around 10 days ago. The government then asked airlines to reduce their flight schedules. The problem was not solved by either of these measures.
The government of the Netherlands took the unprecedented and unprecedented step of ordering that all airlines stop selling tickets between now July 31st. Translated: Only passengers who purchased tickets before today can fly with airlines. The cap won’t be lifted until August 1.
The delay and cancellations will continue into October. This is because airline schedules won’t stabilize until demand eases during the fourth quarter and the hiring pipeline begins to flow again. For outbound flights to Europe, you can choose a U.S. carrier and a foreign carrier for your return. This way you won’t have to wait for an aircraft to arrive before you can leave. Make sure you have at least four hours for connection — this is not only to protect your privacy but also to ensure that your bags are connected.
Better yet, fly between European cities by train. Use the train. European trains are more efficient and deliver a better on-time performance.
If you are unfortunate enough to be affected by a cancellation or delay on your flight, there is one aspect of European flight experience that American travelers may not know about. The EC Rule 261 is a robust compensation system that the EU offers passengers whose flights are delayed, canceled or cancelled.
A traveler who has their flight delayed or cancelled can receive up to 600 euros. In more severe delays or cancellations, they may also be entitled to a hotel room or other expenses. This rule is not available from most airlines, so passengers should be aware that it exists and how it works.
