Flights which are delayed can cause a right headache for passengers keen to get away. If travellers find out their flight is delayed then it’s important they equip themselves with the right information. This is the latest travel advice. “If your flight is delayed or cancelled, head over to the airline’s counter and make sure to ask them for a leaflet with all the relevant information,” Michael Reay at travel search platform HolidayPirates said. “Every airline in Europe is obliged to provide you with all the relevant information regarding cancellations and delays.”
EU flights
You will be able to claim the money if your plane is three hours late on arrival under EU rule 261/2004. Arrival time counts as when the plane doors open at the airport.
However, as these are EU rules you will only be eligible if you come from an airport in the EU.
According to flight delay compensation site airFair, “Regulation 261/2004 establishes rules on compensation for passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellations or delayed flights.
“It applies to all members of the EU and the airlines that reside within them. Any passenger of any age and nationality whose flight departed from an airport which resides in the European Union or was en-route to an EU member state while travelling with an airline operated in the EU is covered by these rules.”
The compensation you are owed is fixed, regardless of your flight cost. The amount of compensation you are entitled to is dependent on the length of your delay and the distance of your flight.
According to airFair: “You will receive a fixed amount between €250 (around £220) and €600 (around £530) dependent on these variables.
“This compensation should come on top of other extra entitlements, such as meals and refreshments, and, if applicable, overnight accommodation.”
In order to be able to apply for compensation, you must make sure the delay was the airline’s fault.
For instance, if the fight is delayed due to bad weather or airport staff are on strike it does not count as the airline’s fault.
However, if the flight disruption is due to airline staff problems, poor planning or non-exceptional technical problems than it is the airline’s fault.
In this situation, you would be eligible to claim compensation from the airline.
However, the airline “will try to play fast and loose,” Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis cautioned, so you may have to battle to make sure you receive the compensation owed.
“Most airlines will have an online form to help you claim for a delayed or cancelled flight, however, these aren’t always easy to find,” Reay said.
You can always use the following free tool: www.resolver.co.uk which provides template letters and guidance for complaining and submitting claims.
Martin also recommends the website flightright.co.uk which can help you work out what you’re owed.
The amount of compensation you’re due will depend on both the flight length and delay length.
Non-EU flights
However, what if you are outside the EU and travelling with a non-EU airline? According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), “Your rights when your flight is delayed or cancelled varies depending on the terms and conditions of your contract with the airline.
“Most airlines base their terms and conditions on those recommended by the International Air Transport Association.
“This means that when delays happen, most airlines have a contractual obligation to offer passengers a choice between a later flight, mutually agreed alternative transportation or a refund.”
The CAA warns airlines do not all provide refreshments and accommodation for delayed passengers.
If they don’t, you can claim for reimbursement for your expenses under the Montreal Convention.
“Be aware that you may struggle to be reimbursed for anything other than meals or overnight hotel accommodation, so spend wisely. Keep receipts,” said the CAA.
