You are entitled to compensation
One of life’s inconvenience’s and a very stressful part of going on holiday is when your flight is delayed or cancelled. Already having got to the airport hours ahead of take-off, waiting to be called to your gate only to be waiting further for any information, then the dreaded announcement that the wait is extended or worse, that the flight is not going at all.
When this happens you are entitled to certain compensation dependent on the situation including, where you are flying and how long the delay has been.
My flight has been delayed
If your flight has been delayed by 3 or more hours you are legally entitled to compensation. This is when the delay was due to the airline such as, technical problems or booking issues.
Citizens Advice reports that if the delay was caused by something outside of the airlines control, such as bad weather then you could be unlikely to claim compensation.
If your flight is delayed 5 or more hours then you can decide not to take the flight at all and claim further compensation. If you do not board on the delayed flight then you can get a full refund of that flight as well as a connecting flight which you missed due to the original delay. You should also receive support with a flight back to your original airport you flew from.
If you decide to wait and take the delayed flight you can claim up to £520 compensation. The amount you can claim back depends on the flight distance, for shorter distances compensation is usually around £220.
My flight has been cancelled
You are entitled to a full refund of a cancelled flight as well a replacement of any connecting flights or a replacement flight to your destination.
You should also be provided food and drink as well as accommodation if the cancellation was overnight.
You will not be compensated for any alcohol, luxury meals or accommodation your pay for during the delay or waiting for your next flight. You will often be given vouchers to use on food and drink which limits what you can get.
Ensure you keep all receipts of money spent during your time delayed at the airport or location as this will be needed to claim back with the airline.
What will you not be compensated for?
- Delays under 3 hours
- Loss of earnings if the disruption causes you to be late or miss work
- Expensive and luxury food and accommodation including alcohol
- If the delay or cancellation was due to anything outside of the airlines control
If an airline has caused disruption to your travel plans then don’t hesitate to contact them and claim compensation.