Flight Delayed or Cancelled? It’s time to know your rights.

Have you experienced flight delays for over three hours? Or someone you know may have experienced a flight cancellation. Continue reading because you will find answers to your concerns about cancelled flights, delayed departures and the process of acquiring airline compensation. 

Recently, we encountered some frequently asked questions concerning refunds and compensations on delayed or cancelled flights. We understand travelling by air is not always a smooth sailing experience. There could be different factors causing delays. However, you can claim up to €600 in compensation under a European Legislation called EC261. Under this regulation, passengers flying with European Airlines or using European Airports are entitled to compensation for flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. 

Let’s look into the details and see who is eligible to claim compensation and how you can claim it if the flight meets specific criteria. 

First and foremost, EC/261 protects the rights of passengers flying with an EU-based airline or those departing from EU airports if their flight was delayed by more than three hours. Passengers must have a confirmed reservation and must check in on time to claim their rights. The airline could seek an exemption if any extraordinary circumstances, such as bad weather conditions, political instability, or security concerns, caused the delay.

The next question pertains to the amount of flight delay compensation and how it can be calculated. So, the compensation amount is decided based on flight distance. For example, you are entitled to €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km and €600 for flights over 3,500 km.

In addition, the airline is obliged to offer you the required care, assistance and facilities like refreshments, meals, internet and accommodation if you are stranded for a certain period. 

Now you know your rights and entitlements, the next query you might have is how to file a claim. Yes, that’s the trickiest part because most of you may not know how to go about it. Well, your travel agent’s assistance is not limited to booking flights, it also provides additional support for flight-related issues. At Travelhouseuk, we ensure our customers are not beached at the airport and make alternate arrangements immediately. You may go through our customer reviews on Trustpilot, which testify our dedicated service as the most reliable travel agency in the UK. 

Others may check the airline’s website and file a claim by filling out Refunds/Compensation forms within the specified time frame. Mostly, you have up to two years for submission of your claim, so the offer may be time-bound but considerably long enough to process the claim easily. Passengers are required to keep copies of all relevant documents and booking information. 

European regulations also stipulate that passengers experiencing a delay of three hours or more are entitled to the same compensation as passengers whose flights have been cancelled. However, it’s important to note that these regulations do not extend beyond the EU. If you’re travelling from a non-European location, please check with your airline if they have alternate arrangements to get you to your destination.