What all to do when caught in a situation of flight delay?
Flight delays are a common issue, often due to inappropriate weather conditions, mechanical issues in the airplane, or political chaos. Regardless of the reason, airlines assure comfort and financial compensation to their travelers in cases of glitches in their services.
There are certain rules and tips to follow in case of a flight delay. Here is a comprehensive guide to making your experience less bitter.
Flight delay doesn’t ease your boarding time
Airline authorities are very strict about the influx of passengers at a stipulated time. Therefore, even if the takeoff time exceeds the normal one, never be late to the airport.
In cases of aforementioned weather statistics, the flight may take off as soon as the ATC instructs to do so. Political conflicts are uncertain and mechanical issues are based on the availability of experts. Therefore, the issue can be resolved anytime. So, always stick to the planned timings.
Visit the counter to know about food and accommodation facilities
It can be daunting to wait for hours in an airport. But no worries, airlines provide certain relief policies in such circumstances.
Firstly, you need to visit the passenger’s counter and inquire about the available facilities. Generally, the arrangements are variable as per the guidelines set by the airline authorities.
For example, European airlines offer the following advantages.
- The food lounge and entertainment arena is made accessible with certain vouchers and discount offers for a flight delay of 2 hours
- Temporary accommodation in associated hotel or motel is provided in an overnight delay
- No deduction is made in the compensation amount if the flight is canceled after multiple delays
- Travelers can voluntarily cancel the ticket if the delay exceeds 5 hours
Do not forget to get your hands on the valid documents related to flight cancellation for the reason that they are mandatory during the refund proceedings.
Securing the connecting flight
If you have a connecting flight between two flights and you miss it because of the delay in the first flight, then it is the airline’s responsibility to make a seat available to you on the next available flight. In cases of confusion, visit the grievance center of the airport to clear the case.
An important catch to this situation is that this facility is provided only if all three flight tickets are booked for the same airline company. If two different flights are booked, then none of them bears the brunt of such an inconvenient situation.
Know the rights related to compensation
Travelers are authorized certain returns by the respective airline depending on the period of flight delay. It differs in the same aspect as that of accommodation facilities mentioned above.
All flights taking off or landing in Europe offer €250 for flight delays covering 1500 km, €400 for 1500-3500 km, and €600 for distances exceeding 3500 km.
The refund process is a bit complicated; therefore, it is always advisable that you are aware of a platform to know your rights, such as Flighright.com. Such forums guide you with calculating the exact compensation amount, filing the complaint, and all the assistance required in the law regulation of the concerned process.