Have you ever been stuck at the airport, waiting for your flight to take off, only to be told it’s been **delayed** or even **canceled**? If you’ve been in this frustrating situation, you might be surprised to learn you could be **entitled to compensation**. This article will help you understand the **rules and regulations** surrounding flight delays and cancellations so you can claim what you deserve.
The **Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)** revealed that a whopping one in three flights experienced **delays** of at least 15 minutes last year. That’s a lot of frustrated passengers! But don’t worry, you’re not powerless in these situations. There are **specific rules** that airlines must follow, and passengers can benefit from **free meals, hotel accommodations, and even cash payments**.
When You’re Entitled to Assistance
If your flight is **delayed for a significant amount of time**, you’re entitled to **assistance** from the airline. Here’s what to expect based on the length of your flight:
**Short-haul flights** (up to 932 miles): If your flight is delayed for at least **two hours**, the airline must provide you with **free meals, two phone calls or emails, and accommodation** if necessary.
**Medium-haul flights** (between 932 miles and 2,175 miles): If your flight is delayed for at least **three hours**, the airline must provide you with the same assistance as short-haul flights.
**Long-haul flights** (more than 2,175 miles): If your flight is delayed for at least **four hours**, the airline must provide you with the same assistance as short-haul and medium-haul flights.
If you meet the criteria for assistance, **contact your airline or speak with airport staff** for more information.
Flight Delays of More Than Five Hours
When your flight is **delayed for more than five hours**, you have an important choice to make. You can either **choose to be rerouted on a different flight or receive a full refund** from the airline. This is a great option if you’re feeling frustrated and want to get home as quickly as possible.
Flight Delay Compensation
You may also be entitled to **compensation for flight delays**, but this depends on the reason for the delay. If the delay is due to **”extraordinary circumstances”**, you won’t be eligible for compensation. These circumstances include:
* **Bad weather**
* **Strikes unrelated to the airline** (for example, baggage handlers)
* **Acts of terrorism or sabotage**
* **Drone disruption**
* **Long security queues**
However, if the delay is **not due to extraordinary circumstances**, you are **entitled to compensation**. The amount of compensation depends on the length and distance of your flight, as well as the duration of the delay.
Compensation for Flights Delayed by More Than Three Hours
Here’s a breakdown of the **compensation amounts** you can receive for flights **delayed by more than three hours**:
**Short-haul flights** (up to 932 miles): You are entitled to **£220 in compensation**.
**Medium-haul flights within the EU** (more than 932 miles): You are entitled to **£350 in compensation**.
**Medium-haul flights outside the EU** (between 932 miles and 2,175 miles): You are entitled to **£350 in compensation**.
**Long-haul flights** (more than 2,175 miles): You are entitled to **£260 in compensation** if your flight is delayed between **three and four hours**, and **£520 in compensation** if your flight is delayed for **longer than four hours**.
These compensation amounts apply to flights departing from the **UK or Europe** and are operated by a **UK or European airline**.
If you’re flying with a **non-EU airline** but your flight departs from the **UK**, you may also be entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed for at least **three hours at the final destination**. Remember, the “final destination” refers to the last airport listed on your ticket, even if it’s a connecting flight.
Compensation for Cancelled Flights
You can also claim compensation for **cancelled flights** unless they are affected by “extraordinary circumstances” as explained earlier. However, even if “extraordinary circumstances” apply, you are still **entitled to meals, refreshments, accommodation, and airport transfers** depending on the length of your flight and the delay time.
Here’s how much compensation you can expect for **cancelled flights** based on the flight length and arrival time compared to your original flight:
**Short-haul flights** (less than 932 miles):
* If your new flight departs more than one hour before your original flight and arrives less than two hours after it: **£110 in compensation**.
* If your new flight arrives more than two hours after your original flight: **£220 in compensation**.
**Medium-haul flights** (932 miles to 2,175 miles):
* If your new flight departs more than one hour before your original flight and arrives less than three hours after it: **£175 in compensation**.
* If your new flight arrives more than three hours after your original flight: **£350 in compensation**.
**Long-haul flights** (more than 2,175 miles):
* If your new flight departs more than one hour before your original flight and arrives less than four hours after it: **£260 in compensation**.
* If your new flight arrives more than four hours after your original flight: **£520 in compensation**.
These compensation amounts apply to flights canceled **less than seven days before departure**.
If you have a **connecting flight** that is delayed and your original flight departed from the **UK or EU**, you may still be eligible for compensation. For example, if you are flying from Manchester to Sydney with a connection in Singapore, and your Singapore to Sydney flight is delayed, you could still claim compensation.
Additional Expenses
Besides compensation, you may also be able to claim **additional out-of-pocket expenses** under the **Montreal Convention**. This includes expenses like:**
* Missing a pre-booked hotel night
* Missing a concert you’ve purchased tickets for
* Missing a day of car rental you’ve paid for
What to Do if Your Flight is Cancelled
If your flight is **cancelled**, you should receive **assistance from the airline** because your flight is protected by the **Denied Boarding Regulation**. This assistance could include a **refund, an alternative flight, food, phone calls, accommodation, and even flight cancellation compensation** depending on the circumstances.
Resolving Disputes
If you’re unable to resolve a **dispute with the airline**, you can **escalate your complaint to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme**. The Civil Aviation Authority website has a list of approved ADR providers.
Travel Insurance
While you can **claim compensation and assistance** from airlines in many situations, **travel insurance** can provide extra peace of mind. Some policies cover delays of over 24 hours, or situations where alternative travel options aren’t offered. Travel insurance also helps if you miss your flight due to unforeseen circumstances, like a medical emergency or serious accident. And if the airline goes bankrupt before you get home, travel insurance can be a valuable safety net.
Remember, **knowing your rights** when it comes to flight delays and cancellations can save you time, money, and frustration. Don’t be afraid to **stand up for yourself** and claim what you’re entitled to!
