Steps to take when your flight gets cancelled or delayed to determine if you qualify for compensation and the potential amount you may receive

If you find yourself dealing with a flight delay or cancellation, you may be eligible for compensation. In this article, we will discuss the circumstances that can lead to a financial payout.

According to recent data from the Civil Aviation Authority, one out of every three flights experienced a delay of at least 15 minutes last year. Passengers who experience a delay may be entitled to free meals and compensation of up to £520.

If a passenger is delayed for at least two hours, they may be eligible for assistance. This assistance can include two free phone calls or emails, free meals and refreshments, free hotel accommodations, and hotel transfers. The specific requirements for assistance depend on the distance of the flight:

– For short-haul flights of up to 932 miles (1,500km), a delay of at least two hours qualifies for assistance.
– For medium-haul flights between 932 miles (1,500km) and 2,175 miles (3,500km), a delay of at least three hours qualifies for assistance.
– For long-haul flights over 2,175 miles (3,500km), a delay of at least four hours qualifies for assistance.

Passengers who meet the above criteria can reach out to their airline or airport staff for more information.

In the case of severe delays lasting over five hours, passengers have the option to choose between being re-routed on a different flight or receiving a refund. Additionally, passengers can request flight delay compensation if the delay is not due to extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather, strikes unrelated to the airline, acts of terrorism, or long security queues. Claims for compensation are valid for up to six years after the flight.

Passengers of delayed flights are protected by the Denied Boarding Regulation if their flight departs from the UK or Europe, or if it is operated by a UK or European airline. However, passengers traveling with non-EU airlines from non-EU destinations should check the airline’s “conditions of carriage” to determine their entitlement to compensation.

To claim compensation, passengers experiencing a delay of more than five hours can choose between being rerouted on a different flight or receiving a refund. If a flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late, each affected passenger is entitled to claim flight delay compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the length and distance of the delayed flight, as well as the reason for the delay.

Passengers traveling less than 932 miles (1,500km) are entitled to £220 if delayed for more than three hours. Passengers traveling over 932 miles (1,500km) within the EU or between 932 miles (1,500km) and 2,175 miles (3,500km) are entitled to £350 if delayed for more than three hours. Passengers traveling over 2,175 miles (3,500km) are entitled to £260 if delayed between three and four hours, or £520 if delayed longer than this.

For passengers with connecting flights, if a flight departing from the UK is delayed by at least three hours at the final destination, compensation is still applicable. The final destination refers to the last airport listed on the passenger’s ticket.

In addition to compensation, passengers may be entitled to claim extra out-of-pocket expenses under the Montreal Convention. This can include costs for missed accommodation, concerts, or car rentals.

When it comes to flight cancellations, passengers can claim compensation unless the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances. Passengers traveling with UK or EU-based airlines, or flying from UK or EU airports, should receive assistance from the company in the form of a refund or alternative flight, food, phone calls, accommodation, and flight cancellation compensation.

Passengers can still claim compensation for cancelled flights, even if extraordinary circumstances apply. Depending on the length of the flight and delay, passengers are entitled to meals, refreshments, accommodation, and hotel transfers. The amount of compensation varies based on the distance of the flight.

For unresolved complaints about an airline, passengers can escalate the issue to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme. A list of approved providers can be found on the Civil Aviation Authority website.

Travel insurance can provide additional peace of mind for passengers. Depending on the policy, some providers offer cover for delayed flights over 24 hours or when an alternative travel option has not been offered. Insurance can also cover costs incurred from missed flights or situations out of the passenger’s control, such as accidents or airline bankruptcies.

In conclusion, if you experience a flight delay or cancellation, it’s important to know your rights and entitlements. Understanding the circumstances that qualify for compensation can help you navigate the process of claiming what you are owed.

Reference

Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
DMCA compliant image

Leave a Comment