What to Do in Case of a Flight Delay?

When planning a trip, no one expects to face a flight delay. Unfortunately, delays can and do happen. From inclement weather conditions to staff strikes, there are multiple potential reasons for delayed flights.

This article will provide useful advice to help you prepare in the event of a flight delay, cancellation, or overbooking. We will also consider the steps you can take to minimize the hassle. The following questions will be discussed:

• What rights do passengers have when flight disruption occurs?
• Why do flights get delayed?
• What to do to get compensation?
• And others.

Let’s get started!

What does EU law provide in terms of air passenger rights?

The Flight Compensation Regulation (EC No 261/2004) provides a set of air passenger rights that cover areas such as air safety, airline compensation and assistance, passenger refund, and delay compensation, denied boarding, and other areas related to air travel rights. 

These rights are designed to protect air passengers when they travel within the European Union and to/from other countries. Air passengers in the EU have the right to compensation and assistance for lost, delayed, or canceled flights due to an airline’s fault and for any denied boarding or missed connections caused by the airline. These apply to British Airways flight delay compensation as well.

 However, your flight has to meet the following criteria for you to be eligible for compensation: 

• There was a flight disruption (flight delay of over 3 hours, cancellation, or overbooking); 
• Your flight was from or within the EU or arrived in the EU and was operated by an EU airline; 
• The flight disruption was the airline’s fault. 

Possible reasons for delayed flights include sickness or strikes by the airline (not airport) staff, standard technical issues, belated crew or pilot, and any operational issues not caused by “extraordinary circumstances”.

However, if the disruption was due to some factor outside the airline’s control, getting compensation is unlikely. Such factors include bad weather conditions, medical emergencies, airport employee strikes, airplane manufacturing flaws, political instability, etc. 

What is the action plan to get compensation, and what do you need to do?

• Find out the reason for the flight delay. If it is caused by the airline, you may be entitled to compensation. On the other hand, if it’s caused by something beyond their control, such as bad weather, you may not be eligible.

• Check the airline’s policies. Each airline has different rules on compensation for delayed flights. Make sure to check the airline’s website or contact them directly to find out what their policies are.

• File a claim for compensation. Depending on the airline, you may be able to file a claim for compensation online. Clearly explain the reason for your claim, detailing the delay, inconveniences, and any losses incurred. Attach supporting documents such as photos or receipts if required, following the airline’s guidelines. Expect to receive confirmation of your submission, often with a reference number for future reference.

• Gather evidence. In case your claim is denied, it is important to have evidence of the flight delay and any evidence of the inconvenience or losses it caused. Keep your boarding pass, ticket, or booking confirmation as proof of your flight details. Also, retain any notifications you received from the airline about the delay, such as emails or texts. Take photos or videos at the airport to capture the departure board, customer service lines, and relevant signs.

• Invoke your legal rights. If the airline denies the claim, consider legal options such as filing a complaint with the airline’s customer service department.

If you are in the United States or another country on a visa or immigration status that is about to expire, and your flight delay causes you to potentially overstay your visa, an immigration attorney can help determine your options and provide guidance on maintaining legal status. Learn more about immigration law and attorneys at flynnhodkinson.com.

In general, if your flight is delayed for more than 2-4 hours, the airline is obliged to provide you with:

• Free food and drinks (or vouchers to buy them);
• Two free phone calls and emails;
• Accommodation at a hotel if you’re delayed overnight; 
• Transfer between the airport and the hotel.

How much compensation can I expect?

Compensation for a delayed flight depends on your flight distance — the longer the flight, the bigger the compensation:

• For flights up to 1500 km, the compensation is €250;
• For flights from 1500 km to 3500 km, the compensation is €400;
• For flights that are longer than 3500 km, the compensation is €600.

However, as mentioned before, they are not covered for flight disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances that are not an airline’s fault.

How can you reduce the possibility of such situations happening again?

Flight delays are undoubtedly a major inconvenience for travelers, disrupting their plans and causing stress. Delays can occur due to adverse weather conditions, air traffic control issues, aircraft mechanical problems, crew unavailability, security concerns, or airport operations issues. These delays can lead to missed connections and significant frustration. Here are effective ways to prevent flight delays:

1. Monitor the status of your flight online or through an app. This will help you stay informed on the latest updates and any delays.
2. Before your flight, check the weather, air traffic conditions, and any other unforeseen delays that may occur.
3. Have a backup plan or alternative mode of transportation in case your flight is delayed.
4. Bring snacks and entertainment items to keep yourself occupied while waiting.
5. If your flight is delayed or canceled, ask the airline to provide compensation or alternative travel arrangements.
6. Follow up on delays or cancellations with the appropriate customer service division.

Final thoughts

Unfortunately, flight disruptions are inevitable, especially if you’re an active air traveler. Nevertheless, if you are aware of your passenger rights, you can certainly make the entire experience less frustrating and, depending on circumstances, get fair compensation.