Holiday flight delayed? Here’s what you should do to make sure you’re not out of pocket
Holidays and flying can be stressful enough, without having to worry about flight delays and cancellations
YOU’RE desperate to get on holiday, suitcase is packed and you’re at the airport raring to go, but your flights delayed – what do you do?
Holidays and flying can be stressful enough, without having to worry about flight delays and cancellations (and any costs as a result of them).
Here’s what you should do to make sure you’re not out of pocket.
Know your rights
If you’re flying with an EU-based airline, or a non-EU airline that flies from an EU airport you're protected by the Denied Boarding Regulation.
But compensation is dependent on the reason for the delay.
If the delay was caused by “extraordinary circumstances” then sadly no compensation is due.
Extraordinary circumstances include severe weather, security risk or political risk but if this happens, you’re entitled to meals, refreshments as well as accommodation - depending on the length of delay and distance of your flight.
If your flight is delayed for more than five hours, you do have the choice to withdraw from your flight completely and claim for a full refund – but if it’s delayed for over three hours, then you may be able to claim up to £200.
If the worst happens and your flight is cancelled, airlines are obliged to either reimburse or re-route stranded passengers.
Think carefully
If you’ve booked your flights independently (rather than as part of a package holiday) and you decide to accept a refund from the airline, they no longer has any obligation to look after you.
Also, if you decide to re-book your outward flight and travel on a new date, it is up to you to sort out all of your onward arrangements in your holiday destination – you’re on your own.
This includes all hotel and hire car bookings for your holiday destination - you’ll have to cancel or re-book it yourself.
If you incur any losses due to the above, the only way to claim compensation is through your travel insurance policy.
Package holidays
If your flight was part of a package holiday booking, you will be protected by the ATOL scheme and your tour operator will be obliged to look after you.
If your outward flight is affected, you will be offered a full refund on your whole holiday – or have the option to rebook the same holiday, at the same price (when it’s available.)
If your return flight is cancelled, all extra costs will be covered for you - such as accommodation in your holiday destination - and your operator will sort out getting you home as soon as you can.
Do not book your own accommodation – talk to your tour operator.
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Outside the EU
The rights you get under EC Regulation 261/2004 only apply to passengers flying to or from an EU country (or with an EU carrier.)
Outside of these circumstances, you will not be covered by these rights.
Check the individual policy of your airline for what you’re entitled to.
Travel insurance
If the worst happens and your flight is cancelled, know what you are able to claim on your travel insurance.
If you claim a full refund from your airline for a cancelled flight, your airline won’t pay for any other elements of your trip such as cancelled hotels or hire cars – and if your insurance isn’t comprehensive you may left high and dry.
When you buy your travel insurance policy it is important to check the small print to make sure your policy includes cover for irrecoverable losses as a result of delays or cancellation.
Time
You have time to claim for your delays - six years – as long as you have all of the relevant documentation to support your claim.
Don’t accept help from a third party
We’re all familiar with those annoying PPI claims calls but, as with these, some claims management companies are now offering to help passengers claiming for delayed flight.
However, it is wise to steer clear of them.
They will charge a fee and you can easily make the claim for free yourself.
If you do need help, consult the .