How To Get Compensation For Delayed Flight: A Step-by-Step Guide

Excited for your journey? You have booked the tickets, packed your bags, and even double-checked your itinerary. Everything seems perfect, right? But did you prepare for that ‘just in case’ moment, that unexpected hiccup that might affect your entire flying schedule right before you take off? 

Imagine you are all set to travel, bags checked, boarding pass in hand, and then you hear a voice saying that your flight is delayed for hours. Sound familiar and frustrating at the same time? 

Flight delays can be frustrating, but did you know that yoy might be entitled to compensation if you face it? Many airlines have policies in place to reimburse passengers for delays under certain conditions. However, knowing your passenger’s rights for compensation can help you secure your cash refund, vouchers, or even travel points. This guide will walk you through why flights are delays, how you can claim compensation, and the steps. 

Why Do Flights Get Delayed? Understand The Reason

Flight delays can turn even the most exciting travel plans into a frustrating waiting game. But before you start thinking about compensation, you need to know why the flight is delayed. Was it something within the airline’s control, or completely out of their hands? It is because not every delay was entitled to a refund, cash pay, or compensation. 

Some delays are considered the airline’s responsibility, while others are out of their control. Here are the common reasons for flight delays:-

Bad Weather Conditions

Weather is one of the most common reasons for flight delays. Conditions like heavy rains, thunderstorms, fog, snow, and strong winds can significantly impact the take-off and landing of the planes. 

Technical issues (like engine or system faults)

If something goes wrong with the aircraft, safety comes first. The airline staff will check all the mechanical or systems malfunctions before allowing a plane to fly, which can cause delays for hours. 

Late arrival of the incoming flight

There are circumstances when your plane arrives from a distant city, and if that flight faces a delay, it inevitably causes you to arrive late as well. This is particularly problematic for passengers with connecting flights, as it can result in missed connections.

Air traffic control restrictions

Busy airports like the Orlando International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International, and Dallas Love Field Airport often handle hundreds of flights per day, which gets their airspace congested. Delays can occur while waiting for clearance to land or take off, especially during peak hours. 

Security issues or medical emergencies 

Security issues or medical crises can lead to emergency landings of the planes, which may cause flight delays. While this situation is not common, it can result in arriving at your designated destination late if it occurs.

Understanding these common reasons for flight delays allows passengers to respond calmly during these situations and make informed decisions. While not all of these delays are compensated, you can still file a claim or simply adjust your travel plans. 

Move ahead to know if you are eligible for flight delay compensation or not!

Are You Eligible For Compensation? Know Your Passenger Rights

When your flight gets delayed for any reason, you have the right to claim your flight refund or apply for compensation, depending on where you are flying from or to. The key to getting compensation is knowing if you are eligible for compensation and what regulations you should apply for it. 

Let’s break it down so you know exactly when you are eligible and what your rights are. 

Delay Duration

1. If your delay is less than 2 hours, you are typically not eligible to get a refund or compensation.
2. Compensation is typically offered for delays exceeding 3 hours. However, it varies by the airline and region. 
3. All the UK-based airlines like Lufthansa Airlines, Ryanair, Air France, & Easy Jet will provide you compensation for a flight delay of more than 3 hours.
4. Moreover, if you are facing a delay of more than 5 hours or an overnight delay, you may have the right to get a full refund, hotel accommodation, and transportation facilities. 

Reasons for Delays

1. Reasons that are within the airline’s control are often eligible for compensation. It includes technical & mechanical issues, crew scheduling, late incoming flights, and airline cancellations.
2. However, reasons like severe weather, medical emergencies, airport strikes, air traffic congestion, or security issues are not eligible for compensation. 

Flight Route & Regulations

1. Passengers flying to and from the UK can check the EU/UK Regulations. It allows passengers to get cash compensation depending on the time the flight distance and the time of delay. You can check a complete breakdown for this in the table below. 

Flight Distance	Delay Time	Compensation Offered
Flights Up to 1,500 km	3+ hours	€250
1,500–3,500 km	3+ hours	€400
Over 3,500 km (long haul)	3–4 hours	€300
Over 3,500 km	4+ hours	€600

2. The United States does not have the same compensation rules as the EU. You are not automatically entitled to compensation, but you can get compensation if the airline bumps you due to overbooking. 
3. Moreover, you will also receive meal vouchers, free hotel stays, or flight credits if your delay is too long, if you are traveling from the US.

How To Get Compensation For Delayed Flight

If your flight is delayed and you think you qualify for compensation, don’t let that flight delay go unpaid! Here’s how to cash in your ticket price. 

Keep All Your Flight Documents

Before filing a claim, make sure to hold on to your documents like:-

• Boarding pass
• Flight ticket/E-ticket
• Delay notifications from the airline
• Receipts for extra costs incurred due to the delay

Confirm The Length Of the Delay

The delay must be calculated by the arrival time at your destination, not just the departure. If you arrive three or more 3 hours late to your designated destination, you can claim a refund. 

Contact The Airline

Upon confirming your delay, visit the official website of your airline and look for sections like complaints, flight delays, or customer care. You can also drop your complaint at your airline’s official email ID. 

Moreover, it is important to attach all the necessary documents to your complaint, including your boarding pass, delay notification, or other descriptions of the flight delay. 

Floor Up or Escalate

If the airline does not respond within 30 days or rejects your request, you can report the issue to the passenger rights authority. Or you can resend your request to the airline as per your needs and requirements. 

Final Thoughts!

Flight delays can disrupt your plans and cause unnecessary stress, but you don’t have to worry about your compensation anymore, as the information discussed above will make you familiar with the steps and other requirements for it. So, what are you waiting for? Go through the information provided above and don’t let that flight delay go unpaid; know your rights and claim what you truly deserve. So next time you face a delay, keep your documents ready with you and file a compensation claim according to the regulations. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions!