Every year, flight postponements and delays affect thousands of people. A few delays, like the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano that once grounded flights or the staff strikes that have previously had an impact on airports in Europe, cannot be anticipated or prevented. The great news is that if the airline is at fault and the delays are significant, laws are in place to defend your rights. This might mean that you qualify for compensation. Even if you are not automatically entitled to a full or partial refund, you still have the option to complain if you are unhappy. If you want you can find amazing solicitors for yourself if you suffered any delayed flights, try browsing flight delay solicitors in Stockport.
Payment for Delayed Flights
The EU regulation known as 261/2004 applies to all flights, whether they are from an EU country (on an airline operated by an EU member state) or to an EU country (including the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). Your right to assistance at the airport and compensation or refunds in the event of prolonged delays are governed by this.
How to Estimate the Amount You Might Be Owed
Depending on the flight’s distance and duration, compensation for delays can range from 250 to 600 euros. When the plane’s doors are opened, not when it lands, the clock starts to measure how long your flight will be delayed (as some airlines may claim).
Five-hour refund policy
If your short-haul flight (less than 932 miles) is delayed for more than five hours, you have the right to a refund if you decide not to proceed with the trip. A flight back to your departure airport will be provided if you have already started your journey, as well as a refund for any portions of your reservation that you have not used (such as the return flight).
Can claim a delayed flight?
Yes, if you bought both tickets under the same reservation. You are entitled to compensation for any delays that may occur if you are travelling to or from an EU territory with a stopover in a non-EU territory—even if they happen while you are travelling outside the EU!
The Following Must Be Done By The Airline If It Cancels Your Flight:
- Return the flight cancellation fee to you
- Send you on a different flight to your destination instead
Refund
Any portions of the reservation that you haven’t used can be refunded. A cancelled outbound flight on a booked return flight can be refunded by the airline for the full cost of the return flight (even though only the outbound flight was cancelled).
An alternative flight
If you still want to travel after the cancellation, your airline must arrange for you to take a different flight. You have complete control over when you fly; you can decide to leave as soon as possible or postpone it until a time that works for you. Airlines frequently use the term “rerouted flights” to describe them. However, if another airline is flying there much more quickly (and you’ve decided to travel right away), you might be entitled to be booked onto that flight rather than the one that airlines typically use to transport passengers to the same location. You can discuss this with your airline if the need arises.
If My Flight Is Cancelled, Can I Arrange My Alternative Flight?
In general, airlines must attempt to arrange a replacement flight for you within two days (the civil aviation Authority has previously criticised airlines for taking longer than this). It is okay to reserve your replacement flight as long as it is “equivalent” to the canceled one. No First Class upgradation.
Flight Cancellation Costs Should Be Covered By My Travel Insurance Or By The Airline
Typically, the airline is responsible for making up the cost of a cancelled flight. However, that doesn’t mean your travel insurance provider doesn’t also have a responsibility in this situation(flight delay). They are the first party you should get in touch with. Contact your travel insurance if your airline hasn’t responded despite your best efforts to get in touch with them. They should compensate the customer if the airline is being unfair. They shouldn’t call the airline’s bluff by doing the same.
In the Situation of Volcanoes and other natural disasters
You may be covered by natural disasters under your travel insurance. You should check your policy again because some insurers have added “volcano exclusions” to their policies following the Icelandic eruption in 2010.
When there is a natural disaster, airlines will typically cooperate to get you home(flight delay). The airline is not required to reschedule your outbound flight, however, if it has been cancelled.
Compensation for cancelled flights
A full refund or a different flight to your destination is your choice under EU Regulation 261/2004 if you are scheduled to be on any European flight that is cancelled (before take-off) for any reason. Any reimbursement must be made within seven days(flight delay). A compensation claim may also be available if notice of cancellation was less than 14 days.
Final Words
If your flight lands more than 3 hours late, airlines may be required by UK law to pay compensation. Depending on what influenced the postponement, don’t anticipate being compensated if the airline wasn’t at fault.
