Flight Cancellations and How Passengers Can Get Compensation

Flight cancellations are an unfortunate yet common occurrence in air travel. They can disrupt travel plans and create stress as they inconvenience passengers. While some parts of the world are better than others, travellers have certain rights when their flights are cancelled, especially within the European Union, the United States and other regions with similar protections. Here’s what you need to know if your flight is cancelled including tips on how to get compensation.

Understanding Flight Cancellations

A flight cancellation happens when an airline decides to no longer operate a scheduled flight, whether for reasons such as weather, technical issues, staffing problems or other factors. While airlines sometimes make these decisions to ensure safety or operational efficiency, passengers are still impacted by the sudden change in their plans.

Depending on the regulations in the passenger’s location, airlines are often required to provide assistance including compensation in some cases. The rules governing flight cancellations vary by region, so understanding where you stand legally is essential to know your rights.

European Union Regulations

For travellers in the European Union (EU), flight cancellation regulations are robust, particularly under EC Regulation 261/2004. This regulation protects passengers when their flight is cancelled, even if it is at the airline’s discretion.

Compensation Under EC Regulation 261/2004

If your flight is cancelled within the EU, you may be eligible for compensation based on the distance of your flight and the timing of the cancellation. The airline must inform passengers about the cancellation at least 14 days before departure to avoid liability for compensation. However, if the cancellation is announced less than 14 days before the flight, passengers may be entitled to the following compensation:

• €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres
• €400 for flights between 1,500 kilometre and 3,500 kilometres
• €600 for flights over 3,500 kilometres

Compensation can be reduced by 50% if the airline can offer an alternative flight that arrives within a few hours of the original departure time.

Additional Rights for Passengers

Beyond financial compensation, travellers are entitled to some other benefits:

1. Refund or Rerouting: If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you the option of either a full refund of your ticket or rerouting to your destination as soon as possible. This rerouting can be done by the next available flight, even if it is with another airline.
2. Meals, Accommodation and Communication: If you are stranded overnight due to the cancellation, airlines are obligated to provide meals, drinks, accommodation and transport to and from the hotel. They must also offer passengers the option of free phone calls, emails or faxes to inform family or colleagues of the delay.
3. Exceptional Circumstances: If the flight cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather conditions, political instability, or strikes not caused by the airline, passengers may not be entitled to compensation. However, the airline is still responsible for offering refunds or rerouting.

US Regulations

In the United States, passenger rights for cancelled flights are governed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). However, US regulations regarding compensation for flight cancellations are less generous than those in the EU.

Refunds

When an airline cancels a flight, U.S. regulations require the airline to provide a full refund to passengers if they choose not to travel, regardless of the reason for the cancellation. This is true even if the cancellation happens after check-in or at the airport.

No Legal Requirement for Compensation

Unlike the EU, U.S. law does not mandate compensation for cancellations. Airlines are not required to provide additional compensation (such as food, lodging, or transportation) for delays or cancellations, except in the case of certain long delays under Tarmac Delay Rules.

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However, many airlines do offer assistance in the form of meal vouchers, rebooking and hotel accommodations, especially for long delays or cancellations that are their responsibility.

Compensation for Cancellations Due to Airline Fault

If your flight is cancelled due to reasons within the airline’s control, such as mechanical problems, overbooking, or crew issues, you are entitled to compensation. The rules for compensation depend on the region you’re flying in.

1. In the EU, under EC Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation if the airline cancels the flight within less than 14 days of departure, unless the reason is an extraordinary circumstance.
2. In the US, compensation for a cancelled flight is not a requirement but is often provided by airlines as a goodwill gesture, especially if the cancellation is not due to extraordinary circumstances.

How to Claim Compensation

If your flight is cancelled, knowing how to claim compensation is crucial for ensuring you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Here’s a general guide to the process:

1. Contact the airline: The first step is to contact the airline as soon as possible. You should be able to reach them via phone, email, or social media. Airlines may offer immediate rerouting or refund options through their customer service teams.
2. Document everything: Keep all documentation related to the cancellation, such as flight details, emails, boarding passes, and receipts for any extra expenses incurred due to the cancellation. These documents will be essential when filing a claim.
3. Submit a claim: Many airlines allow you to submit compensation claims through their website or via customer service. Some carriers might have a dedicated department or team for handling such claims. If the airline rejects your claim, you can appeal the decision through the National Enforcement Body in your country or seek advice from flight compensation services like AirHelp.
4. AirHelp and other compensation services: Services like AirHelp are valuable for passengers looking to claim compensation for flight cancellations. AirHelp simplifies the process, helping travellers navigate through the often-complex claims process. They can also help ensure you receive the full compensation you’re owed under the applicable regulations.

Tips for Travellers

1. Book directly with airlines: Booking directly with an airline rather than through third-party travel agencies can sometimes simplify the process of dealing with cancellations, as the airline’s customer service is more accessible.
2. Know your rights: Always familiarize yourself with the regulations that apply to your flight and destination. Knowing your rights under EC Regulation 261/2004 or US DOT rules ensures you don’t miss out on any compensations you might be entitled to.
3. Claim as soon as possible: The sooner you file your claim, the sooner you may receive compensation. Airlines often have time limits, so it is essential to act quickly.

So remember when you’re travelling, flight cancellations can disrupt travel plans and cause frustration but passengers are not powerless in these situations. Whether you’re traveling within the EU or in other regions like the United States, knowing your rights and how to claim compensation can help minimize the impact of flight disruptions.

By understanding the regulations, staying informed about your options and using services like AirHelp to guide your claim process, you can secure the compensation you deserve and make your experience a little less stressful.

Credit for feature image at the top of this story goes to Jan Vasek.