What Are My Rights if My Flight is Cancelled or Delayed?
Having your flight cancelled or delayed can be extremely frustrating and disrupt your travel plans. As a passenger, you have certain rights under UK law that airline companies must adhere to. This article will provide an overview of your key rights and how to exercise them if your flight is cancelled or delayed departing from or arriving in the UK.
Compensation for Flight Cancellation
If your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice, you have legal rights. The airline must offer you:
- A replacement flight to your destination
- A full refund, including for any other flights you won’t be able to use from the airline – such as the return flight.
You can also claim compensation from the airline of between £110 and £520 depending on your circumstances. The airline should compensate you but you can also turn to your travel insurance.
There are a few situations where the airline does not have to pay compensation, such as if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances out of their control. Examples include severe weather events, security risks, or political unrest. The airline must provide proof that the cancellation was necessary due to these extraordinary circumstances.
You can send the airline an official letter outlining your compensation request – check out the official letter format here. Include key details like your flight details, booking reference, and contact information. Quote the Regulation 261/2004 in your letter and request a response within 8 weeks. If they reject your claim, you can escalate it to the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Expenses Reimbursement
In addition to compensation, the airline must reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred due to the cancellation. This includes:
- Meals and refreshments
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required
- Transfers between the airport and hotel
- Alternative transport to your final destination
Save receipts for all expenses and include copies when requesting reimbursement from the airline. These costs are covered whether the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances or not.
Rerouting Options
For cancelled flights, the airline must offer you the choice between:
- Rerouting to your final destination at the earliest opportunity
- Rerouting at a later date convenient for you
- A full refund
If there are multiple rerouting options, you can choose which one best fits your schedule. The airline must bear the cost of transferring you to the alternate flight.
Delayed Flight Compensation
For delayed flights, compensation depends on the length of the delay and distance of the flight:
- Delays of 3 hours or more and flights under 1500km – £220
- Delays of 3 hours or more and flights over 1500km – £350
- Delays of 4 hours or more and flights over 3500km – £520
- Flights over 3500km with delays of less than 4 hours – £260
As with cancellations, the airline does not have to pay compensation if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances out of their control.
In some cases of lengthy delays, airlines may have a duty of care to provide accommodation, meals, and communication facilities. Check at the customer service desk if this applies based on your flight delay.
Claiming Compensation
To claim compensation for cancellations or delays, contact the airline first and request compensation. Have your booking details and flight information on hand. If they dismiss your claim, you can take your case to the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Passenger Advice and Complaints Team.
Keep copies of all correspondence and relevant receipts/documentation. If the airline still refuses compensation, you can choose to take them to court, often via online services like Resolver. But be aware, this can be time-consuming and success is not guaranteed.
Using Travel Insurance
One way to secure your expenses is by taking out comprehensive travel insurance covering flight disruption. Review policies carefully for cancellation/delay coverage and any exclusions. File a claim with your insurer for any eligible costs.
Many credit cards also offer travel insurance benefits. Check if yours covers any portion of expenses or compensation for flight delays/cancellations. This provides an extra layer of protection if the airline does not meet its obligations.
It’s also worth mentioning that airlines are not responsible for the cost of any tours you lose out on if a flight is cancelled. However, some travel insurance will cover the cost of this. This can be worthwhile checking if you spent a lot of money to swim with dolphins Cancun and then were unable to.
Key Takeaways
- Airlines must compensate passengers for flight cancellations and long delays, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances out of their control.
- Save receipts for all expenses incurred and request reimbursement from the airline.
- Rerouting, refunds, accommodation, and transfers are also among your rights for cancelled/delayed flights.
- Claim directly with the airline first, then escalate to the CAA or Resolver if needed.
- Travel insurance can help reimburse your costs if the airline refuses compensation.
Knowing your passenger rights is crucial to secure the compensation and assistance owed to you. Do your research beforehand, stay calm, and politely assert your rights with staff. Being aware of the guidelines can help take some frustration out of an already difficult travel situation caused by flight delays or cancellations.
