How do I enforce a ruling that I should get compensation?

Chomeur

I complained about a China Eastern flight delay and lost baggage for a flight from Brussels. I got this from the Belgian aviation authority:

"Dear,

We are coming back to you in relation to your complaint against China Eastern Airlines.

In order to find an amicable settlement between you and the airline, we suggested that they pay you a monetary compensation of 600 EUR per passenger, as requested by Regulation 261/2004 and the reimbursement of expenses made during the waiting time.

Despite several reminders, we have never received an answer from the airline.   

Since our office does not possess the power to oblige airlines to pay a compensation, we are forced to close this case.

You can still take this matter before the competent national court. We advise you to contact a lawyer or legal advisor for further information.

Yours faithfully,

Pax Team"

China Eastern don't respond to me either. Is seeking compensation all a waste of time, or should I start a small claims procedure in the UK? They do have an office in Marylebone.

Thanks

eskbanker

If it's a flight from Brussels that you were pursuing via the Belgian authorities, then that would suggest that it's outside the scope of UK legislation, and covered by the EU equivalent instead, so I believe you'd need to take action in Belgian (or Chinese) courts rather than UK ones.

mdann52

eskbanker said:

If it's a flight from Brussels that you were pursuing via the Belgian authorities, then that would suggest that it's outside the scope of UK legislation, and covered by the EU equivalent instead, so I believe you'd need to take action in Belgian (or Chinese) courts rather than UK ones.

If OP lives in the UK, China Southern have a UK address, and the OP purchased the tickets with a UK address, the UK courts would adjudicate on the issue (especially given that EU261 is mostly retained, but they wouldn't consider any amendments past exit day). The jurisdiction rules for aviation claims under international treaties are understandably wide!