A quick guide for claiming compensation for a disrupted flight. 

When planning an international trip, the last thing that comes to mind is a flight delay. However, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time flier, it’s not an uncommon experience and might cause a lot of inconvenience and extra expenses, especially if you’re not prepared. 

 

In this article, we will discuss passengers’ rights in the event of a flight disruption as well as the steps you can take to ensure that you are properly compensated.

 

What are you entitled to when a flight is delayed?

There might be different types of benefits or reimbursements that apply to flight delays, which vary depending on the country, route and airline. Here are some general travel rights delayed flights usually entail: 

  • Compensation for delayed flights: Depending on the length of the delay and the reason for it, passengers may be entitled to up to € 600 compensation from the airline. However, this doesn’t apply to flight disruptions due to circumstances out of the airline’s control—for example, if the flight is delayed due to weather conditions.
  • Free services, such as two phone calls/emails, meals and refreshments or vouchers to buy them, accommodation if the flight is delayed overnight as well as transfer between a hotel and the airport.  
  • Re-routing: In some cases, airlines may offer to re-route passengers on another flight if a delay is expected to be prolonged.
  • Ticket refund: If a flight is cancelled, passengers are usually entitled to a full refund for their airfare. You can also claim ticket refund if the flight is delayed for more than 5 hours and you choose not to take it.
  • Right to be informed: Airlines are required to inform passengers of any delays as soon as possible, and to provide updates on the status of the flight. They also must inform passengers of their rights in case of flight delays.

It might also be helpful to check the specific guidelines and policies of the airline you are traveling with. Additionally, the regulation of flight delayed compensation can be different in each country, especially if it’s outside the EU.

The compensation claim procedure 

The European Union has regulations in place that require airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays and cancellations (specifically, EC 261/2004). The compensation amount varies between €250 and €600, depending on the distance of the flight, the duration of the delay, and the reason for the delay. 

The procedure for making a compensation claim for a delayed flight is as follows:

  1. Check if you are eligible: In order to be eligible for compensation, the flight must be either within the EU, or departing from an EU airport, or arriving at an EU airport with an EU-carrier. The delay must also be longer than three hours.
  2. Gather evidence: Collect all relevant documentation such as your flight itinerary, boarding pass, and any receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the delay.
  3. Contact the airline: Contact the airline and inform them of your intention to make a compensation claim. Provide them with the necessary documentation and evidence.
  4. Wait for the response: The airline has a legal obligation to respond to your claim within 30 days. If they accept your claim, they will provide you with the compensation amount. However, it might take up to several months to actually get the money.
  5. Take legal action if needed: If the airline denies your claim or fails to respond within 30 days, you may need to take legal action. You can contact a consumer rights organisation or a lawyer for assistance.

If you’re not willing to communicate with the airline on your own, you can delegate this job to compensation claim agencies that will handle all the red tape for you. Alternatively, most offerings of travel insurance cover delayed flight cases, so securing a travel policy of insurance in advance might also save you some time and effort.

Wrapping up

Even though flight delays are an unfortunate reality of air travel, passengers have rights that must be respected. Understanding the EU regulations for flight delays and cancellations can help you navigate the process of making a compensation claim. If you have any doubts or need help, you can always contact consumer rights organizations or agencies that specialize in flight compensation claims.