What to Do if Your Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled?
A delayed flight can really be frustrating and makes it hard to get to your destination on time. Unfortunately, most of the time nobody can actually predict this flight delays. It might be due to an unpleasant weather or the airplane might experience some mechanical issue. Here are things you can do when you’re stranded due to a delayed flight or a cancellation.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A PASSENGER WHEN YOU HAVE A DELAYED FLIGHT
Most of the airlines have “Contract of Carriage”, which tells you your entitlement such as discounts, potential food vouchers, refunds, or your hotel booking in case of a delayed flight when your airline is faulty. Make sure to check those terms and the spelt out conditions before making your booking.
When you’re taking a flight in Europe or use any European airlines you have more rights. Based on regulation EC 261/2004, when you reach your destination later than three hours of the expected time or you didn’t get boarding due to over booking you’re entitled to compensation up to €600.
IMMEDIATELY LOOK AT YOUR CONNECTING FLIGHT STATUS
In most situations, the airplane company will book you the next flight available to your place of destination. Sometimes they will not inform you about this fact and it would be a good idea to check your flight status. In some cases, you might have already been rebooked by the airline to use a different route to your desired destination.
MAKE SURE TO READ CAREFULLY THE FINE PRINT ON THE CREDIT CARD- IT MAY COVER FOR YOUR FLIGHT DELAYS
Most credit cards come with some benefits as regard travel protection in case of a delay. You might even get a reimbursement when you have a flight delayed for a particular period of time, if you made the booking with the card. Try to get familiar with the benefits of the credit card and know your eligibility.
WAIT A WHILE BEFORE YOU START TO COMPLAIN
If you haven’t been delayed by the airline for not more than three hours, then there’s no need to expect any sympathy or vouchers. Making a complaint at this point about the delay is just a waste of people’s time. If you purchased a travel insurance, this policy will come into effect four hours right after the delay. It all depends on your purchased policy and your provider, do well to call the company when it hits four hours to know your entitlement.
MAKE SOME CALLS ONCE YOU HAVE A DELAYED OR CANCELLED FLIGHT
In the situation you rented a vehicle, inform the agency about the flight delay. And in case you feel like the flight will be seriously delayed or might even end in a cancellation and you know that the airline won’t provide the necessary hotel lodgings, it will be wise you make your own hotel booking. You can do this as some hotels won’t charge unless your check-in, so you might even cancel the booking if finally, your airline manages to get through.
AVOID FALLING ASLEEP
In certain situation, the airline may inform passengers of a three-hour delay but may suddenly make a boarding announcement using the P. A system. Check regularly your flight status. You should be ready in case your flight gets “undelayed”, so if you need to take a little nap, get someone to wake you in order not to miss your flight.
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