Facing a canceled, delayed, or overbooked flight can be a significant inconvenience for travellers. However, it happens more often than we’d want it to and there are now agencies like Flightright ensuring that affected air passengers get compensated according to their rights under the law.
No one ever wants to deal with flight disruptions after having the perfect itinerary planned out. If you are ever faced with such situations, we have put together four effective things you can do to ensure you still have smooth travel.
1. Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with your rights as an air passenger under the EU Regulation 261/2004. This law provides specific rights for passengers in case of flight delays, flight cancellations, missed connecting flights, or denied boarding.
You may be entitled to monetary compensation between €250 and €600, which depends on the flight distance and not the ticket price. You also have rights to care, such as access to complimentary food and drinks, telephone, internet connection, and hotel booking for an overnight delay.
This only applies if you meet the requirements, which include taking a flight from an EU or UK airport or landing in one with an EU carrier. You must have arrived at the airport at least 45 minutes before departure. This is provided that you were not notified of the disruption two weeks earlier.
Understanding your rights is the first step to ensuring you’re treated fairly in these situations.
2. Stay Informed and Plan Ahead
Before you even head to the airport, stay informed about your flight’s status. Check for any delays, cancellations, or overbooking announcements on the airline’s website, or by calling their customer service. Also, consider signing up for flight alerts, which can provide real-time updates about your flight.
3. Contact the Airline
If you ever have to deal with flight disruptions, immediately get in touch with the airline. Airline personnel can provide assistance, rebooking options, and relevant compensation information. Be polite and patient when speaking to airline representatives, as they can help you more effectively when treated with respect.
4. Consider Your Options
Depending on the specific situation, you may have various options to consider. For delays or cancellations, ask about rebooking on the next available flight, either with the same airline or an alternative one.
If the delay or cancellation results in an overnight stay, inquire about accommodation and meal vouchers that the airline may provide. If the delay is longer than 5 hours or the flight gets cancelled, you can request a refund.
If your flight is overbooked, and you’re involuntarily denied boarding, remember that you may be entitled to compensation.
Bottom Line
Flight disruptions happen more often than we think, but you can always navigate your way around it. The four tips shared in this article will guide you on what to do, should you ever have to deal with such situations. Preferably, get an attorney or hire an agency to help make the process easier and quicker, for a more effective result.
