Irina Ciochiu Launches Free EU261 Passenger Rights Checklist for Travellers Across Europe

Irina Ciochiu’s EU261 passenger-rights checklist targets how travelers respond after flight disruption, offering a free, 15-minute guide across Europe. The Romanian entrepreneur and FlightHelp founder released the “EU261 Flight Disruption Quick-Start Checklist” to help passengers organize key information following delays, cancellations, denied boarding, or missed connections. Ciochiu said many travelers miss potential compensation because they do not know what records to save or which early steps to take. The guide emphasizes actions passengers can take immediately, before accepting an airline’s explanation or rejection. She also highlighted that passenger rights can still apply even when carriers cite “extraordinary circumstances,” depending on the actual cause. The timing comes as Eurocontrol reports European air traffic has returned near pre-pandemic levels, increasing operational pressure. Ciochiu noted estimates that over 30 million passengers may qualify annually under EU261, while fewer than 40% file claims.