"Here's some info on what your rights and essential tips for coping with cancellations and how to get home quickly
and safely".
When am I entitled to compensation?
If your flight to or from an EU airport is delayed for three hours or
more, you are legally entitled to receive the same compensation as those people
whose flights have been cancelled. Same applies if you are flying with an
EU-based airline such as Ryanair or British Airways. If you have been informed
that your flight has been cancelled at very short notice, airlines will
normally compensate passengers for the inconvenience. However, the only circumstances in which the
airline is not legally obliged to provide compensation is if the flight was
cancelled due to reasons beyond the airlines control, such as a volcanic
eruption, a strike or extreme weather. Depending on what airline you are flying
with, you should expect a full refund or an offer of alternative travel
arrangements, such as a seat on a different airline's flight to your
destination.
How do I claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight?
If you are struggling to file a claim by yourself, you can get help
from new startups like Get Airhelp which can make claims with airlines on your
behalf.
Will I get any compensation if I'm waiting at the airport for a new
flight?
If you have been issued with a new flight ticket and have to wait in
the airport for over two hours for a short-haul flight or over four hours for a
long flight, you should be provided with food and drink vouchers at the
airport. If the delay is outside the airline's control, you may be able to
claim on your travel insurance. Many policies include payouts for missed,
delayed or cancelled flights, depending on what company you have purchased your
policy with.
Who pays for my food and accommodation if I have to stay extra days?
Food and accommodation is only paid for by the airline if you are
flying with an EU-based airline or are departing from an EU airport. While
non-EU airlines should also refund you or try to accommodate you on an
alternative flight, they may not provide you with food and drink. You can,
however, try to claim these expenses on your travel insurance. Accommodation is
provided on a case by case basis, depending on where you are from, where you
are stuck, for how long and if you have any friends or relatives nearby that
can take care of you.
What can I expect from my airline if my flight is cancelled due to a
strike?
If you have a flight delay because of a strike, your airline has an
obligation to offer you assistance if the delay is expected to go beyond a
certain point. This may include refreshments and accommodation. However, they
are not obliged to offer compensation following a strike because strikes are
usually considered to be 'extraordinary circumstances'.
If I miss a connection will a get a refund?
Unfortunately, if you book two flights on separate airlines and miss
the second flight due to the first one being delayed or cancelled, you will not
be able to get a refund for the second flight. This is why booking flights with
the same airline can prove beneficial in the long run, even if it is a little
more expensive.
Where can I find more flight information?
Check the Departure/Arrival tab of Skyscanner’s Airport pages, which
give live flight information for all airports in the world.
