בבקשה:
Berlin. The airline Air Berlin had already been crises for a long time, made headlines because of very late or unusual flights, as well as anger with the ground crew. Now Germany's second largest airline has filed for insolvency. What does this mean for the customers? Important questions and answers.
 
• Are all airplanes now on the ground?
 
No. The airline assured on Tuesday on its website that all flights from Air Berlin and the subsidiary company Niki continue to take place. The timetables as well as booked tickets remained valid. A bridging loan from the Federal Government and Lufthansa should help to maintain the long-term flight operation.
 
Due to the right of insolvency, Air Berlin would have been obliged to cease operations immediately after the petition for insolvency was filed, the Economic and Transport Ministry said on Tuesday. The credit is granted by the state Kfw-Bank and safe operation to the full extent.
 
 
Bund ensures air-Berlin flight operation with credit
The federal government secures Air Berlin's flight operations during the vacation period with a transitional credit of 150 million euros.
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Bund ensures air-Berlin flight operation with credit
• Should you buy Air-Berlin tickets at all?
 
"Every consumer has to decide whether he wants to take this risk," said Felix Methmann from the Federal Association of Consumer Centers. In any case, it is risky to enter into a business relationship with a company that is threatened with insolvency. There could be reasons, however, to decide. "If I get flight tickets for ten euros, for example, the risk is different from a New York trip for 1000 euros."
 
• Can I return my ticket because my location is too uncertain?
 
Unfortunately no, says Methmann. "Contracts that have been entered are also to be kept." This applies in both directions. If Air Berlin does not comply with the timetable and flights are canceled, customers are entitled to a refund. In addition, the EU Passenger Rights Regulation provides for compensation. "Air Berlin must solve this quickly and unbureaucratically."
 
• Are there any additional costs, such as hotel or car rental, if my flight fails?
 
Only if these were booked as part of a package holiday. "If you have booked everything individually, the airline is only obliged to reimburse the flight," the consumer protector said. After all, an airline can not be paid for if the failed voyage could have led to a lucrative business deal which has escaped this. "Unfortunately, this also applies to the cost of hotels and car rental."
 
 
Air Berlin messed up suit: wedding photo is now viral
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Air Berlin messed up suit: wedding photo is now viral
• Are vouchers valid?
 
Yes. However, customers should try to redeem them as soon as possible, says Methmann. After all, at the end of the insolvency proceeding, the bankruptcy process should be a reality, even if it is difficult to get a share of the costs.
 
The customers would have to enter the claims into the so-called insolvency table, according to Methmann. "First and foremost, the needs of Etihad and the major lenders are taken into account." Even if customers receive reimbursement, it should be a fraction. "From a 100 euro voucher, they might get two percent back."
 
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