Photo Credit: Jason Toevs
Nothing is worse than getting to an airport to find out your flight has been delayed or cancelled. Many rearrangements are in order when this issue occurs and it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to getting yourself back on track. No one can predict a flight delay or cancellation and airlines do everything they can to avoid them, but sometimes these problems will still ensue. If the flight you are meant to be boarding does experience a disruption, there are always things you can do to make the inconvenience a bit more bearable. During the situation, you need to make sure you know your rights and that the airline treats you fairly. If you are or have experienced any kind of disruption to your flight, then the following is here to explain what you should do if you are unfortunate enough to go through it.
Your Rights
Some airlines are better than others. It all depends on the experience, management and maintenance of the company. If you were going to write a list of Europe’s unpunctual airlines, then EasyJet would definitely be there. Going through the process of claiming compensation for a flight disruption can be long and confusing, but don’t worry, Flightright has your back. They are an online legal service who is dedicated to getting airline passengers the compensation they deserve if their flight is disrupted. They have a simple online calculator for clients to use to check their eligibility for compensation and they have many rewards, success stories and great reviews for their work. So, when it comes to claiming for a delayed or cancelled flight, consider using Flightright when travelling.
Evidence
If you are planning to claim for the compensation you are most likely entitled to after your flight has been delayed or cancelled, then you need to make sure you keep as much evidence of this inconvenience as you can. This includes boarding cards and any other documents you have to do with your flight. If you are thinking about claiming expenses from the airline, then make sure you have a full receipt for each purchase you make (not just a slip from a credit card). Note every name you can, such as airline staff who tell you to make arrangements for yourself. Also, make sure you remember when and where this happens and ask them to write a note on your booking. The more evidence you get, the higher your chances are of a claim.
Get Looked After
Once your flight has officially been delayed or cancelled for a particular amount of time, then the airline has the responsibility of providing you with drink, food, use of any kind of communication facility, and access to accommodation (if you experience an overnight delay). Depending on your flight (whether it is a short-haul, medium-haul or long-haul flight), you will need to learn what you are supposed to be provided. If possible, it is normally best to head home if your flight has been severely delayed. If this is the case, then the airline should pay you a reasonable amount to cover travel costs. Safety is important, so make sure you are understanding in this scenario.
What Next?
If you are stuck in the middle of a flight disruption, then you will need to sort out your next plan of action. First, you need to try your best to find out when you will be able to fly and arrive at your destination. To do this, you can speak to someone in the airport, check the website of your airline (which is usually the fastest way), or you can call them. If the disruption you are experiencing exceeds 5 hours and you don’t or can’t travel anymore, then you’re entitled to a full refund. If you’re a transfer passenger, then you are also entitled to receive a flight back to the departure point you originally came from. If you do take a refund, or you choose to travel later than the first flight the airline has available, then you will no longer be able to claim for expenses or get provided accommodation. If you have purchased a package holiday and don’t travel on the outbound flight, then you could lose your whole holiday.
The EU Law
When travelling from or within the European Union, your significant rights will fall under the EU law. The information provided here is only applicable to flights that have been covered by this law. To guarantee cover, your flight can be operated by any airline whilst departing from an EU airport or, if it is arriving at an EU airport, it must be managed by an EU airline. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are also covered by this law, alongside EU airports.
Flight disruptions are a pain, but don’t forget, your airline has to get you to your destination. You may need to be patient, but the law says that they have to get you there. Just make sure you follow the steps above to ensure you do the best you can and get the treatment you deserve for the trouble.