Flight Delay

[Binky]

What kind of compensation should you expect for a flight delay of 12 hours? I have been put up in a hotel with one meal, but am a day late back in the UK.

[dzug]

Depends on the cause of the delay - if it was beyond the control of the airline (eg air traffic control, runway problems, technical emergency, weather, strikes), then none.

If there is compensation it depends on destination, length of flight and nationality of airline - can be up to 600� in the 'right' circumstances.

Your travel insurance may offer something - the minimum delay that they will pay out on varies so chck your policy.

[Buenchico]

Dzug's reference to compensation payments of up to 600 euros only applies if the original flight was actually cancelled, rather than simply delayed.

The rules relating to cancellation award 250 euros for flights of up to 1500km. The figure is 400 euros for flights between 1500km and 3500km (and also for longer flights between two EU countries). 600 euros compensation must be awarded for the cancellation of flights longer than those previously stated.

If, however, your flight was simply delayed by 12 hours, rather than cancelled, the only compensation which you're entitled to (beyond the hotel accommodation and meal) is a refund of the air fare (excluding taxes and charges) for that sector of your journey. If you were travelling business class on a full-fare airline this might be several hundred pounds but if you were flying on one of Ryanair's 'bargain-basement' flights, it could be be less than a quid! (It just depends on how much the flight cost).

http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/200 4/l_046/l_04620040217en00010007.pdf

Chris

[Traveler29]

Was your flight delayed? How much compensation you are entitled to depends on the following criteria:
• for all flights of 1,500 kilometres or less: EUR 250 (± 199 GBP);
• for all intra-community flights of more than 1,500 kilometres and for all other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres: EUR 400 (± 320 GBP);
• for all other flights that do not fall under (A) or (B): EUR 600 (± 480 GBP).

If the airline offered the passenger a re-routing, they are allowed to reduce the amount of compensation with 50%. To which flights does this apply?
• the flight distance was less than 1,500 kilometres and the flight was delayed in arrival by more than two hours;
• the scheduled arrival of the original booked flight was exceeded by three hours, for all intra-Community flights of more than 1,500 kilometres and for all flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres;
• the scheduled arrival time of the originally booked flight was exceeded by four hours, for all flights that do not fall under (a) or (b).

More info: http://flight-delayed.co.uk/flight-delayed/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgwnMZDxLp8