Your passenger rights and the no deal Brexit
After the 31st of October there is no turning back, Brexit will be a fact. On the day that the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union, everything will change for Brits and EU passengers. EUclaim explains the changes that you should keep in mind and how to prepare for the no deal Brexit.
Brexit and the withdrawal act
The withdrawal act is accepted by British parliament and ensures that all European legislation is made into national British law. After Brexit, each separate law will then be scrutinized and assessed to the plans of the British government. Until then, all European legislation applies. Furthermore, the UK adapted the rules regarding open skies, allowing all current airlines to still conduct flights from and to the UK. EasyJet already created easyJet Europe with a registration in Vienna, Austria to avoid Brexit impacts on their flight operation.
Brexit and your right to compensation
The withdrawal act also includes Regulation 261/2004, establishing your passenger rights when your flight is delayed, cancelled, overbooked or you when missed your connecting flight. This means that British law adopted Regulation 261/2004 and you are still entitled to compensation for significant delays just like you were before.
Brexit and your travel insurance
As a European passenger visiting the UK you will need world coverage on your travel insurance. The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is no longer valid in the UK and won’t cover your health requirements. If you use specific medications, you have to check before you travel if you are allowed to bring these.
Brexit and customs
The rules of bringing goods, medications or money will change after Brexit. In addition, the rules for bringing pets along on your journey is not as simple as it used to be. There are stricter rules for crossing borders and you are not more often at risk of your luggage being searched. You will also have to pass passport control when travelling between the UK and the EU. Crossing the border will simply take more time.
Brexit and extra roaming costs
When the UK leaves the EU the use of your phone outside of Britain (or in Britain when you are visiting the UK) will become more expensive. The agreements made between European Union members will no longer apply for Britain. Phone users are advised to be careful when using their phone outside of the European Union as costs might add up quickly.
The withdrawal deadline and what happens next?
The withdrawal act has to arrange a period of transition in the UK and is meant for discussing the next steps. In March 2020, the withdrawal act ends and Britain has to be fully adapted to a situation without the EU and the arrangements that were made. That means that after Brexit the British government will get even busier preparing the country for the next step of separation from the EU. No one can predict what this will look like, we have to wait and see.
