Flight disruptions, including delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, can be quite frustrating and inconvenient for air travellers. While these disruptions are a part of air travel, agencies like Flightright are actively working to ensure passengers understand their rights and options when facing such situations.
In this guide, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about flight disruptions, so you can know the next best steps to take when faced with a flight disruption.
What Causes Flight Disruptions?
There are several reasons why you could be faced with flight disruptions. It could be adverse weather conditions, such as snowstorms, hurricanes, or fog, that can lead to delays and cancellations. It could also be technical issues like aircraft maintenance and repair problems or operational issues causing air traffic control delays, airline staffing and scheduling problems, and even overbooking.
Most of the time, these reasons are within the airline’s control, which means you may be entitled to compensation. However, in some rare cases, there are extraordinary circumstances where airlines are not obliged to compensate you. This includes strikes, security incidents, and other unforeseen events that can lead to flight disruptions beyond the airline’s control.
Am I Entitled to Financial Compensation For a Delayed Or Cancelled Flight?
Whether you’re entitled to financial compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight depends on the circumstances. In the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EC 261) establishes passengers’ rights and provides for compensation in certain situations.
Under this law, you may be entitled to compensation, rebooking, a refund, and assistance for delayed or canceled flights, particularly when:
- The delay or cancellation is the airline’s fault.
- The flight departs from an EU airport or arrives at an EU airport on an EU carrier.
- The delay exceeds a specified duration, typically 3 hours or more.
Compensation amounts range from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and the length of the delay. While a short-distance flight would attract €250 in compensation, a medium-distance flight attracts €400, and a long distance, €600.
Other things to expect include free food and drinks or a hotel booking if you have to stay overnight at the airport.
What Should I Do Next If I’m Faced with a Flight Disruption?
If you’re ever faced with a flight disruption, you need to act quickly. Start by staying informed about the situation by checking airport displays and listening for announcements. You can contact the airline’s customer service to inquire about the flight status and potential rebooking options.
It is also important to keep your travel documents organized, including your booking information, tickets, boarding pass, and identification. You will need this, not only to reschedule your flight when necessary, but also to claim compensation later.
Familiarize yourself with your passenger rights and the airline’s policies for compensation and assistance. If you meet the requirements, you can go ahead and file a compensation claim, making sure to provide all requested information and documentation.
Bottom Line
Flight disruptions can be challenging, but understanding the causes, your entitlements under EC 261, and what steps to take when facing such situations can help you navigate them more effectively.
