Frequently asked questions about delayed and cancelled flights

Flight disruptions happen more often than you think and no one ever wants to deal with that, as it messes up plans. However, the EU and UK have the EU Regulation 261/2004 that protects passengers and helps them get compensation for flight disruptions. Getting flight delay compensation isn’t that straightforward and many people still do not understand how it works. This article contains some frequently asked questions about delayed and cancelled flights to educate more people about it. 

Am I entitled to financial compensation for a delayed flight?

Many people tend to focus on getting compensated for cancelled flights. However, flight delays also disrupt travel plans and you should be compensated as long as the reason for the delay was within the airline’s control. 

According to the EC 261 law, you may be entitled to up to €600 in cash depending on the flight distance. For a short distance, the amount payable is €250 per person; €400 for medium distance, and €600 for long-distance. The amount payable may be reduced if your arrival time does not exceed four hours after the scheduled arrival time.

What else am I entitled to if my flight is delayed?

Depending on the timeframe of the delay, you should be entitled to other perks such as meals and refreshments pending the time the flight takes off. If the flight is delayed until the following day, you should have access to hotel accommodation and the internet.

What should I do to claim my flight delay compensation?

Follow these steps to claim your compensation after a delayed flight:

• Gather your documents while you familiarize yourself with the EU Regulation 261/2004. Also, include relevant receipts of costs incurred due to the flight disruption.
• Contact the airline and submit a compensation claim.
• You can buy flight delay compensation insurance, so you don’t have to deal with the airline directly. 
• If the airline is proving difficult, hire a lawyer or make use of agencies such as Flightright to help you win the case by upholding the regulations in place. 

What causes flight delays or cancellations?

Flight disruptions can be caused by several reasons, which can either be in the airline’s control or beyond their control. If it’s beyond their control, the law states that they are not obliged to pay out compensation.

Some common reasons include adverse weather conditions, strikes, maintenance issues, Air Traffic Control restrictions, airline mistakes, among others. 

What do I do while I’m delayed?

Start by finding out the cause of the delay, as it will help you when you start processing the compensation. Also, request refreshments, as you are entitled to them. You can also confirm from the airline how long the delay would last. 

Bottom Line

As more flights continue to get delayed or cancelled, more travellers need to understand and exercise their rights. Knowing your rights can make a difference, and who wouldn’t want to be compensated for time wasted? If you ever have your flight disrupted in the future, you now know what to do and the proper steps to take to ensure you’re compensated.