If you’re a frequent flier, you’re likely well aware of the fact that there aren’t many things in life that are as annoying as flight delays. They can put a serious wrench in your travel plans, especially if you had planned everything to flow perfectly. It appears that one flight delayed in the system means they all get delayed as a result, and before you know it, your entire vacation has been derailed!
When you hear the “sorry, your flight has been delayed, there’s nothing we can do” message, the frustration can be real. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get any benefit out of it. There are certain situations where they can do something about it, and that’s to give you compensation for the trouble they’ve caused.
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The problem is that not every flight delay will get you compensation, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be times you’re eligible for flight compensation. You have to know as much as you possibly can about the entire process so the next time you’re eligible, you can jump into action and get that compensation. Remember, they will not offer it to you themselves!
In this post, we will do a complete rundown of everything you need to know about flight delay compensations so you’re armed and equipped with the knowledge to help you get the benefits whenever you can!
Do airlines have to compensate for delayed or canceled flights?
Many people seem to think airlines have to compensate you if a flight is delayed. That isn’t actually the case. There isn’t any legal requirement in most of the world that compels a company to reimburse you for any flight delays. However, because the airline industry is so competitive, most airlines have their own policies that allow for certain compensation levels and always for particular situations. This is why it’s important that you take your time to read the policies of the airline you’re traveling with to know exactly when you’d be entitled to compensation during your travels.
How do flight delay compensation policies differ in different regions?
In the US, no law requires an airline to give you any compensation for a flight delay. However, the same isn’t the case in the EU.
If your flight has been delayed in the EU, you’ll be eligible for compensation under EU 261. The amount ends up being anywhere between €250 and €600. However, even here, certain rules do apply. So, make sure you’ve checked the policies of the airline you’re traveling with.
As for the rest of the world, the airline has no legal obligation to issue compensation since there aren’t any proper cohesive policies between countries. However, a person can still make a claim with the airlines to see if they are eligible according to the airline policies.
Can you get reimbursed for a flight cancellation?
Most airlines will compensate for the problem whenever a flight is canceled by booking you onto their next available flight to your destination. Even if the offer isn’t made immediately, you can still ask the customer services representative of the airline you were traveling with if they can work it out for you, most of the time, they can, and you can be on your way via the next flight out!
In many cases, though, you can request a full refund if you do not go for the next flight out option. No extra compensation is usually added to this, but you will still get the money you did pay returned!
General rules that lead to compensation
Generally, if your flight delay has been over 90 minutes, there was a problem with the airline or the plane, or you were denied boarding despite having a ticket, you can get compensation for the delay caused.
However, if the delay was under 90 minutes, or there were security risks, bad weather conditions, or tarmac issues, the delay is out of the airline's control, and you aren’t eligible for compensation!
Being informed about compensation is the only way to get it!
When discussing being compensated for flight delays, you must consider that it’s not in the airline’s best interest to compensate for their shortcomings. That’s why they don’t go around announcing the compensation. All of that is the reason why it’s important to know just when you can get any compensation for the delays you’re having to face. That way, when the time comes, you can immediately spring into action to get something back for the troubles you had to endure!