BLUE Islands have stressed that they comply with ‘all relevant regulation’, after passengers were caught out by the airline’s policy on compensation.
Being based in the Channel Islands means that EU and UK law on compensation does not apply to Blue Islands flights departing from Jersey and Guernsey.
Concerns were raised following a recent flight cancellation due to low visibility, when Blue Islands passengers were forced to find and pay for their own transport and accommodation.
Meanwhile, easyJet – whose flights were also cancelled – paid these costs for their passengers.
Responding to concerns that their compensation policy was not clearly advertised, a Blue Islands spokesperson said: ‘Blue Islands is fully compliant with all relevant regulation.
‘Guernsey and Jersey are non-EU jurisdictions, are not within the UK, and Blue Islands is a non-EU/UK air carrier; EU261/2004 and UK261 does not apply to Blue Islands flights departing the Channel Islands. The flight in question was not eligible for compensation/reimbursement of additional costs.’
The company said they were ‘committed to delivering the highest standards of service’.
EU261/2004 and UK261 protect customers if their flights are delayed, cancelled or overbooked, or if they are denied boarding. They allow passengers to claim up to £220 for short-haul flights, and they make the airline responsible for providing meals, refreshments, accommodation and transport.
While Blue Islands’ terms and conditions document does mention that many of their flights are not covered by EU law, this information is on page 10.
Blue Islands still guarantee that for cancelled flights, they will reroute or refund passengers.
Visit Jersey said in a statement that it was sorry to hear of the ‘travel difficulties’ experienced.
They added: ‘Visit Jersey always recommends that travellers check terms and policies directly with their travel provider in advance of booking.’
