Holidaymakers may be entitled to compensation if their flights abroad are delayed for certain lengths of time.
There has been travel chaos at airports up and down the UK in recent days - with flights cancelled and travellers facing lengthy waits.
This is due to staff shortages in the aviation industry, as a significant number of staff left or were let go during the height of the Covid pandemic.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumeradvice.scot service, says that customers me be entitled to something from their airline if their flight is delayed.
The charity said that protection is offered by the ‘Denied Boarding Regulation’ or ‘EU Regulation 261/2004’ if their delayed or cancelled flight was booked with a UK or European airline, departing from the UK or Europe.
Customers facing delays of two hours or more for short haul flights may be entitled to assistance - including free meals and refreshments and free accommodation or hotel transfer if an overnight stay is required.
For medium haul flights of two or more hours, the delay must be for three hours or more to claim compensation, which rises to four hours for long haul journeys.
If the delays are longer than five hours, then customers may be able to choose between being rerouted on a different flight or getting a refund.
Compensation can only be claimed if their delay was not due to ‘extraordinary circumstances’ such as severe weather, long security queues, security risks, unlawful acts and strikes by non-airline staff, such as baggage handlers.
For EU regulated flights that are not cancelled and where ‘extraordinary circumstances’ do not apply, customers can ask for a refund or choose to take an alternative flight.
Compensation can be claimed where less than 14 days’ notice was given for the cancellation. The amount of this compensation will vary, but generally starts at €125.
Advice Direct Scotland has issued guidance on how Scots can claim their compensation back from the airlines.
What is the process for claiming flight delay compensation?
For flights arriving at their destination late by three hours or more, each passenger is entitled to claim flight delay compensation.
There are several factors that will influence the amount of compensation you can claim, including the distance travelled, length of flight, and the reasons for delay.
The airline will be able to provide specific information on how to make a claim through them directly. This can usually be found in booking terms and conditions, as well as on airline websites.
How much can I claim?
- Flight distance up to 1,500km (932 miles) – arriving more than 3 hours late – entitled to €250
- Any flight in EU over 1,500km (932 miles) or any other flight between 1,500km-3,500km (2,175 miles) – arriving more than 3 hours late – entitled to €400
- Flight distance more than 3,500km (2,175 miles) – arriving between 3 and 4 hours late – entitled to €300
- Flight distance more than 3,500km (2,175 miles) – arriving more than 4 hours late – entitled to €600
How long do I have to do this?
You can make a claim for delayed flights up to six years after the delayed or cancelled flight – as long as you flew in/out of a UK airport.
Extra ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses for delayed flights
You may be entitled to additional compensation in addition to that owed under EU Regulations 261/2004. Under the Montreal Convention, you may be able to claim compensation if the delay or cancellation caused you to:
- Miss a night of pre-booked accommodation
- Miss a concert/event you have bought tickets for
- Miss a day of car rental you have already paid for
