A total of 31.6 million UK passengers are expected to experience flight disruptions this year, based on historical data. Daniel McAfee, head of legal operations at Lawhive, said that many of these travellers could be due up to £520 in compensation.
As a rule of thumb, the lawyer explained that the only time you won’t be entitled to compensation for a delay or cancellation is if it’s because of something outside of the airline’s control, such as the weather. In almost every other case, though, passengers have multiple rights under both UK and EU law depending on the situation
Your flight is cancelled and it’s the airline’s fault
If your flight is outright cancelled due to factors within the airline’s control, you should be offered a choice between getting a full refund of the cost of your flight and other unused flights in the same booking, such as returns, or alternative transport like being booked onto a different flight at the earliest opportunity.
Daniel said: “Additionally, if you choose to be re-routed on another flight, you may be entitled to care and assistance, which includes meals, refreshments, and, if necessary, accommodation while you wait for the new flight.”
You could also receive compensation within 14 days of the scheduled departure if the airline is at fault for the cancellation. Daniel explained: “The amount varies between £220 to £520, depending on the flight distance and the delay in getting you to your final destination.”
Your flight is delayed and it’s the airline’s fault
Daniel said: “If your flight arrives at your destination more than three hours late and the delay is the airline’s fault, you can claim compensation. The amount is also between £220 and £520, depending on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay.
“If your flight is delayed for three or more hours, you are entitled to compensation under the same conditions as for cancellations, provided the delay is within the airline’s control. Additionally, after a two-hour delay (for short-haul flights), the airline must provide care and assistance.”
This assistance can include meals, covering the cost of phone calls and accommodation if the delay extends to an overnight stay.
It isn’t the airline’s fault
The lawyer said: “When flights are cancelled or delayed due to air traffic control (ATC) issues, such as strikes, staffing shortages, or severe weather that restricts airspace usage, the situation falls under what are termed ‘extraordinary circumstances.’ These are situations beyond the airline’s control, which impact its ability to operate flights as scheduled.”
In this case, airlines aren’t obligated to pay compensation, but you may be offered the opportunity to rebook an alternative flight. The airlines still have to provide care and assistance during delays that aren’t their fault.
The lawyer also set out your next steps if your flight is delayed or cancelled:
- Stay informed on the flight status and the reason for the disruption
- Contact the airline to understand your options and confirm arrangements, like rebooking and assistance
- Check if your travel insurance covers costs incurred due to delays or cancellations
- Keep receipts for any meals, accommodation or transport you have to pay for due to the delay or cancellation, as you may be able to get reimbursed by the airline.
- Check with your travel agent or company, as it is required to provide an alternative holiday or a full refund in the case of cancellation