This summer is set to be a busy one with millions of people flying in and out of the UK.
And if you're heading for sunshine abroad, time away from your usual routine is exciting.
However as we all know, plans can change with flights being delayed for a number of reasons.
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So if you find yourself in this position, here is what you need to know about your rights when it comes to delayed flights with TUI, easyJet and Jet2.
What are TUI's delayed flight rights?
Depending on the length and circumstance of your flight delay, TUI say on their website that you may be able to claim under the EU flight delay compensation legislation EC261.
You may be eligible for compensation if your flight is delayed over three hours with the delay duration being calculated on the time that one of the aircraft doors is opened at your scheduled destination airport.
But not all flights over three hours will entitle you to this.
They explain: "It depends on the circumstance of the delay. If it’s caused by ‘extraordinary’ circumstances – think bad weather or an air traffic control strike – and the airline has taken ‘all reasonable measures’ to reduce the delay, then you won’t be entitled to compensation.
"If you’re eligible for flight delay compensation, the amount you’re due will depend on the length of your delay and the flight distance."
You can make a flight delay claim via their form with the airline warning holidaymakers that it's "best to claim directly with us, as compensation claims companies will take a cut from your compensation for their services."
They aim to process your claim within 14 days – although, it can take a little longer during busy periods. Once reviewed, they will be in touch with you to update you on whether your claim is applicable for the EU261 payment.
What are easyJet's delayed flight rights?
Depending on your delay, easyJet will provide you with a refreshment voucher to the value of £3 or €4.50.
If your flight is delayed by two hours (flights up to 1500km) you are entitled to vouchers.
If your flight is delayed by three hours (flights over 1500km) you are also entitled to vouchers. If for any reason we are unable to provide you with vouchers, they will reimburse you up to the same amount if you provide appropriate receipts.
If the delay is longer than five hours, you can change your flights for a later date subject to seats being available however if this doesn't suit, you can cancel your delayed flight and apply for a full refund.
Some flights are delayed a bit more with easyJet saying that if the delay means that you cannot depart until the following day, easyJet's Ground Crew will arrange overnight accommodation and provide transport between the hotel and the airport.
The airline also states that where possible, they will try and arrange for the "hotel to provide you with an evening meal (excluding alcohol) and breakfast. If the hotel isn’t able to provide you with food, we will reimburse you up to £25 per person per day (EUR/ CHF equivalent)."
They warn passengers to keep all receipts to claim back your expenses.
What are Jet2's delayed flight rights?
If your flight's arrival was delayed by more than three hours, you may be entitled to compensation.
In order to make a claim you must have the following:
- A confirmed reservation on a flight which we were scheduled to operate within the last six years
- Paid a fare that was available to the public
- Arrived at check-in on time (unless your flight was cancelled)
You can claim by using their online form or write to them at EU261 Team, PO Box 284, Leeds LS11 1GE.
When making your claim, you must provide the following information:
- Full postal address
- Booking reference
- Passenger name(s)
- Flight number
- Flight date and route
If you would like to claim on behalf of passengers outside your family group, we will need their signed written permission. You cannot claim for passengers on another booking reference.
Please submit your claim to us directly and allow us sufficient time to respond before engaging other parties to claim on your behalf.
According to the airline, "EC Regulation 261/2004 is a law which sets down various rights for passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled.
"This says you may be entitled to compensation when your flight has been cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice, when your flight’s arrival is delayed by more than three hours, or when you’ve been denied boarding."
If you are eligible for compensation, the amount you are paid will depend on the length of your flight.
| Length of flight | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 / £220 |
| Between 1500 km and 3500 km | €400 / £350 |
| More than 3500 km | €600 / £520 |
Whilst some can claim, others are unable to with the airline stating that passengers are not eligible for compensation when the delay or cancellation was due to what are known as ‘extraordinary circumstances’ such as something caused by factors outside of their control and with the airline doing what they could to avoid it.
There is no definitive list of extraordinary circumstances, however the airline have listed the following events are likely to be considered an extraordinary circumstance under the law:
- Bad weather conditions that prevent the flight from operating safely
- Air Traffic Control decisions
- Problems with airport infrastructure, such as closure of runways, breakdown of baggage belt systems or issues with fuel supplies
- Disruptive passengers on board who need to be removed from the plane
- Bird strikes (when a bird collides with an aircraft, causing damage)
- Acts of terrorism or sabotage
- Passenger illness
- Political or civil unrest
- Security risks
- Strikes (unrelated to the airline such as airport staff, ground handlers or air traffic control)
- Hidden manufacturing defects
- Foreign object damage, including damage caused by objects on the runway
You may not be eligible for compensation if a delay is caused to an earlier flight by circumstances beyond our control and this leads to your flight being delayed.
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