Flight Delays – Know Your Rights!

The festive period served as a cruel reminder of the problems that we can we be faced with when travelling abroad. Strong winds caused many flights to be delayed or cancelled, disrupting thousands of people’s plans. Are you entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled? Here is a short guide to point you in the right direction.

If your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours or it is cancelled, under EU rules, you may be entitled to some compensation. This means that:

• The flight must have departed from an EU airport, no matter which airline it is.
• An EU airline has landed at an EU airport.

If your flight was not an EU regulated flight, you may still be entitled to compensation, but the rules differ from country to country. Try contacting either the airline or the country where the flight departed from. Failing that, make sure that you take out comprehensive travel insurance.

• You are best to submit a claim as close to the date that the cancellation or delay occurred.

What was the reason for the delay?

Compensation will only be awarded if the issue occurred from something that is in control of the airline. For example, if your flight was affected by poor weather or political unrest, this is not covered.

What time did you arrive?

This is very important, what time did you arrive? Compensation is determined based upon how late the flight arrives. Your flight must have arrived more than 3 hours late for you to be entitled to compensation.

How much compensation will I get?

This depends on the length of the flight in kilometres and can be up to €600.

Refund of costs

What happens if I am delayed by less than 2 hours?

Unless you have had to wait more than 2 hours, you are not entitled to any compensation or refund of costs.

What if I am delayed by more than 2 hours?

This is when your airline may be responsible for looking after you. This rule is applicable regardless of the reason for the delay.

What am I entitled to?

You are entitled to reimbursement for the cost of food, drink, accommodation (if it is overnight) and any communications that you need to make as a result of the delay. This rule applies for delays of 2-4 hours.

Remember to keep your receipts and submit a claim upon your return if you have had to pay for these items yourself.

What happens if my delay is more than 5 hours?

All of the above rules apply, but you are also entitled to a refund of the cost of your flight ticket if you then decide not to travel.

There are also circumstances where you may get a refund for the cost of your flight ticket even if it is just delayed for more than 5 hours.

• The flight must have departed from an EU airport, no matter which airline it is.
• An EU airline has landed at an EU airport.

Can I get a refund and claim compensation?

If your flight is delayed by more than 5 hours and your flight arrives more than three hours late, or if you decide not to fly at all, you are entitled to both a refund and compensation.

Do you have any more questions?

If you would like more detailed information regarding your rights for flight delays and cancellations, visit the moneysavingexpert.com guide to flight delays.