The majority of travelers believe that flight delays result from unpredictable circumstances which cause them to lose their afternoon. Airline passengers have extensive legal rights which enable them to receive cash compensation and free meals and complimentary hotel accommodations. Airport regulation knowledge helps travelers to receive financial compensation for their airport delay situations.
Understand the “Three-Hour Rule”
European Union law EU 261 provides passengers with flight delays which last over three hours due to airline fault access to monetary compensation. The maximum distance-based compensation reaches 650 US dollars which equals 600 euros for each traveler.
Identify the “Root Cause”
Airlines must pay for all delay situations which they could control but they must not pay when delays happen because of events beyond their control. Airlines must provide compensation for mechanical problems and crew schedule issues and IT system failures. The legal system prohibits any compensation payments for delays caused by extraordinary weather conditions and air traffic control strikes and other similar events.
Save Your Boarding Pass
Your boarding pass serves as the most important proof you possess. You need to take a digital boarding pass screenshot or print out the boarding pass. The flight number and your booking reference number (PNR) and ticket number are required information to finish your claim process.
Ask for a “Reason Statement”
Request a gate agent at the airport to write down the reasons for the flight delay from their perspective. Airlines show better memory of delay reasons when you request written documentation for current situations compared to informal inquiries.
Don’t Accept Vouchers Immediately
Airlines use their immediate “travel voucher” and “miles” offers as peace offerings to passengers. The acceptance of these items will cause you to lose your entitlement for legal cash compensation. The better choice between cash and a voucher which comes with an expiration date and flight restrictions is always cash.
Request Food and Drink Vouchers
Airlines have a duty of care obligation to provide two-hour delays with food and water vouchers according to their regulations. The airline must provide food and water vouchers to you because of their obligation to care for passengers. You must request items from the counter because they keep items behind it.
Claim Overnight Accommodations
The airline must arrange hotel accommodations and airport transfers if your flight gets delayed until the next day. Your travel expenses will not be covered by the airline if they tell you to make all your travel arrangements.
Check Your Credit Card Benefits
Most premium credit cards and many basic credit cards give customers free trip delay reimbursement protection. Your bank will pay for your hotel and meal costs if you used your credit card to buy the ticket even when the airline denies your request.
Use an Automated Claim Service
The no-win no-fee model allows companies to handle airline claims when the airline does not answer your email. The company will handle all your airline communication and paperwork requirements while taking a percentage of your compensation.
Statute of Limitations
You can start making claims on the first day after your flight. The majority of places allow claims for flights which happened during the previous three to six years. You can still receive compensation for a flight delay which occurred several years ago.
