What Should You Know About Flight Delays?

If you are presented with the situation of suffering a considerable delay on a flight, think carefully about how to act. Although the situation is not easy, you are not helpless, some laws protect you. In addition, there are options to claim and assert your rights. And you may be a candidate for a refund or some type of compensation. This depends on the cause of your flight delay.

In this sense, the airlines handle clear terms. In the case of Delta, it compensates if a domestic flight is interrupted. In addition, it adheres to the rules contained in international agreements, including EC261, regarding interrupted international flights. Furthermore, they operate under The Delta Air Lines Customer Commitment which applies to “covered flights operating to, from, or within the U.S.” Thus, they offer Delta flight delay compensation by cancellation or other interruption.

A customer who is eligible and makes the corresponding claim could receive this compensation. This is if the delay of your flight is due to causes related to this airline. Otherwise, your claim will not succeed. To find out more about when, how, and what to claim if your flight is delayed, check the information below.

When to Claim My Rights if My Flight Was Delayed

The first thing is to keep in mind that not all causes of delays are related to the airline. Among others, natural disasters or severe weather conditions, nor threats from terrorism or civil unrest, are considered. Nor are strikes by third parties such as air traffic controllers or other airport employees the responsibility of the airline. Furthermore, these are exceptional cases and are not among the most common causes of air delays.

Take into account that, in air transport in Europe, the statistics for the year 2022 are not encouraging. Only 64.5% of the flights arrived within 15 minutes or before their scheduled arrival time. And “as it is better to be safe than sorry” it is very important you know your duties and rights as a passenger very well. Both the air passengers’ rights regulation and the European regulation contain valuable information in this regard. Hence, it is advised that you review them.

For example, you must know that, even if the cause of your flight delay is not attributable to the airline, it must support you, allowing you to choose between:

· Provide you with a replacement flight, as soon as possible or at a later date.

· Get a ticket refund along with a return flight to your original point of departure.

This is in the case of flight cancellations, denied boarding, or when there are long delays.

It is also good that you know when your claim may be appropriate. Interruptions caused by:

• Technical problems.

• Lack of crew or passengers.

• Inconsistent schedules.

• Strike by airline workers, among others.

This implies your claim may be recognized by the airline, through compensation, for reasons related to mechanical delays or cancellations.

Refund or Compensation, What Am I Entitled To?

According to AirAdvisor “almost 90% of air passengers do not file a EU261 compensation claim because they do not know they have such a right” In this sense, perhaps this law, also known as EC261, is one of the laws you should know best, since it establishes in which cases you are eligible for compensation and under what conditions.

Additionally, you should know there are differences between Reimbursement and Compensation. Reimbursement implies the payment of the cost of the ticket that the airline must make to you. The Compensation, on the other hand, is a payment you receive for the inconveniences experienced due to the interruption of the flight. Of course, in both cases, your claim must be valid. Occasionally, you might have a claim to both.

If, for reasons inherent to the airline, your flight suffers a delay of more than 5 hours or a cancellation, the airline will rebook you on a replacement flight and will offer you various schedules to choose from. If none of these options suits you, you can request a cash refund. Also, if the cancellation of your flight or other interruption is considered under the conditions of Regulation EU261, you can get compensation.

The airline gives you the option of an alternative flight, with an arrival time approximating the arrival time at your final destination. If you do not accept it, you lose the right to receive compensation. They can also give you a refund for the full amount of the ticket, in cash. Or give you coupons. In this case, it is advisable to review the conditions, as they usually include clauses on the waiver of possible cash compensation.

What Kind of Compensation Am I Entitled To?

Depending on the reason, you can have different types of compensation.

Due to Flight Delay

You are entitled to this type of compensation when:

• Your flight reaches its ultimate destination after a delay exceeding 3 hours.

• The airline has caused the flight delay.

• The flight was carried out by an EU company or took off from an EU airport.

Depending on the delay and the distance to the final destination, you will receive monetary compensation. Also, you have other rights. Thus, the airline must provide you:

• Free phone calls, emails, or faxes.

• Free food and drinks.

• In case the flight is delayed overnight, free overnight hotel accommodation.

Due to Flight Cancellation

You are entitled to this type of compensation when:

• The cancellation of your flight occurred less than 14 days before the scheduled departure date.

• If the canceled flight would depart from an EU airport or be operated by an EU airline.

• If the flight was canceled for reasons related to the airline.

• You bought the tickets.

If all of these situations apply, then you have the right to:

• Receive a full refund for used or unused tickets.

• The assignment of an alternative flight, departing as soon as possible.

• A monetary compensation.

• Receive care similar to that received for flight delays.

Rights in Case of Overbooking and Denied Boarding

In this situation, your rights are:

• Change of route as soon as possible or at a later date, according to your convenience

• Reimbursement of the cost of the ticket

• Monetary compensation

• Assistance is similar to that described in the previous cases.

Now, if your flight is delayed, you know what to do and you know your options.