Flight delay compensation – how to claim back £530 per person if your trip is delayed
There's nothing worse than having your dream holiday ruined by flight delays and cancellations - but you might be able to claim money back
HOLIDAYS can be spoiled or ruined by airline travel, especially when your flight is delayed or cancelled.
But if your summer holiday is affected by delays or cancellations, then you might be eligible for compensation.
Last year, five major airline companies were accused of failing to pay compensation to more than 200,000 passengers, so it’s crucial for flyers to know their rights.
Will I get my money back if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
If your flight is cancelled, you have the legal right to either a full refund within seven days or a replacement flight to your destination.
This applies for whatever reason your flight was cancelled or how long before you were told it would no longer be be flying.
The rules around flight delays are a little more complex but it goes as follows...
If your flight is delayed by three hours or more and you were flying to or from a European airport, or with an EU-based airline such as Ryanair or British Airways.
Then you can claim compensation up to €250 (£229) for short-haul flights and €400 (£367) for mid-haul flights and €600 (£530) for long-haul flights.
Will my insurance cover me if my flight was delayed?
IF you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
According to comparison site MoneySuperMarket.com, if you’re delayed at a snowbound airport then a standard travel insurance policy would usually cover you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
But the airline might not payout if it's out of their control, for example, due to bad weather or strikes.
Delays of more than three hours caused by computer glitches, like the ones that affected BA last year that prevented passengers from checking in, are the responsibility of the airline and you may be entitled to a full refund.
If your flight is cancelled due to weather conditions but other flights on other airlines are still going ahead, then you may decide to challenge your airline.
If you are not entitled to financial compensation for flight delays in these circumstances, you could be entitled to refreshments at the airport but you may need to claim this on your travel insurance.
What if my plane was delayed by 'Extraordinary circumstances'?
In the EU if your flight is delayed or cancelled by something that is deemed to be beyond the airline's control it is called an extraordinary circumstance.
You cannot normally claim compensation for extraordinary circumstances under EU law, but a recent case has created a loophole in which under certain circumstances you can claim back for your flights.
In the recent case staff from TUIfLY took part in a wildcat strike in which many workers took sick leave to protest a recent company restructure, causing a large number of delays.
A wildcat strike is a spontaneous strike that isn't officially ordered by a trade union, so it is out of the airlines' control.
The European Court of Justice on Tuesday ruled that these wildcat strikes do not constitute extraordinary circumstances and so travellers could claim compensation if their flight is delayed by this type of strike.
So, if this happens to you on your journey you are entitled to the regular compensation up to €250 (£229) for short-haul flights and €400 (£367) for mid-haul flights and €600 (£530) for long-haul flights.
What if I wasn't on an EU flight?
Unfortunately, if you experienced problems on a non-EU regulated flight, you won't be covered by the EU flight delay compensation scheme.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says affected passengers should first check with the country where the airline is based or where you're flying from to see if there any similar compensation schemes available.
You could also claim for any financial losses you incur because of a flight delay under something called the Montreal Convention.
More on money
How do I complain?
If you feel you are owed compensation, contact the airline operating the flight even if you booked it through another airline.
If you're not getting anywhere with the airline and the flight was cancelled or delayed within the UK, report the issue to the CAA who may be able to intervene on your behalf.
How can I find out if my plane is delayed?
Passengers are advised to check their flights' status with the relevant airline before setting off to the airport.
You can do this by checking your airline's or the airport you're travelling from websites.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 78 24516. Don't forget to join the for the latest bargains and money-saving advice.