Traveling abroad doesn't always go on a plan, and sometimes flights get delayed or cancelled, like trains and buses. Airlines will do their best to avoid delays, but inevitable issues can arise and it is important for passengers to know their legal rights when this occurs.
Under UK law, airlines must provide passengers with caution and assistance if their flights are significantly delayed. The law defines short flight delays of less than 1,500 km as more than two hours, medium-range delays of more than three hours, and long-range flights of more than 3,500 km as more than four hours.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), if delayed airlines need to provide:
A reasonable amount of food and drink (usually in the form of a voucher) communicates transportation to and from the accommodation (often when a refund is required).
Airlines must provide all these items until they can fly passengers to their destination, regardless of whether the delays persist or not.
The CAA stated: “Under UK law, if a flight arrives at a destination more than three hours late, the airline may have to provide compensation, which depends on the cause of the delay. If it is not the airline's fault, don't expect to receive the reward.
“Disruption caused by extreme weather, airports, air traffic control employee strikes, or other “extraordinary circumstances” is not entitled to compensation. The length of the flight determines the amount you qualify, so we recommend checking which category your flight falls into. ”
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, it is important to know the policies of the airline you are flying to. Listed are the breakdown of rules regarding delays when traveling with EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 or British Airways.
EasyJet
Depending on the length of the delay, EasyJet will offer passengers a drink voucher worth £6. If your flight is 2-3 hours late, you are entitled to a voucher. If the delay is longer than 5 hours, EasyJet can change flights at a later date and seating will be available. Alternatively, you can cancel your flight and apply for a full refund.
If the delay means you cannot depart until the next day, EasyJet's ground crew will arrange overnight accommodation for you and transport you to get there.
The airline added: “If possible, the hotel will arrange to serve dinner (excluding alcohol) and breakfast. If the hotel cannot provide food, it will refund up to £25 per person (equivalent to EUR/CHF).”
Ryan Air
If short or medium-distance flights are expected to be delayed for more than two or three hours, respectively, passengers will receive assistance at the airport, including meal coupons.
If the delay extends to the next delay, Ryanair says it often provides hotel accommodation and transportation between the airport and accommodation. If this is not provided, passengers are encouraged to retain all itemized receipts for reasonable costs and submit these to Ryanair for claims. For delays of more than 5 hours, passengers who choose not to travel can request a refund.
Jet2
Jet2 says that if a flight arrives longer than three hours, passengers may be entitled to compensation, but this may depend on the circumstances of the delay.
The airline will provide waiting times, two phone calls, fax or email messages and accommodation with reasonable meals and snacks if a stay of more than one night is strictly required.
Jet2 explains: “If we arrange accommodation for you, we cannot refund the related costs and accommodations that jet2.com does not arrange. We will provide transportation to and from the accommodations where this is located by Jet2.com.
“If the delivery of care itself causes further delays for the benefit of the customer, care may be restricted or denied while waiting for a delay or alternative flight.”
If your flight is delayed for more than five hours and passengers choose not to travel, you are also entitled to a refund of your ticket.
British Airways
British Airways passengers who experience a delay of more than three hours when they arrive at their destination may be eligible for flight coverage, but this depends on the circumstances of the delay.
In the event of a delay, the airline will provide a refund “as required by applicable law” for additional assistance such as compensation, snacks and other care and refunds.
British Airways said: “If you cancel a flight, you can receive a cash refund for your cancellation, delay, or rescheduled flight if you delay your flight for more than six hours, stop at a stopover or destination, or miss a connected flight that holds a confirmed booking.
“We will attempt to provide a readjustment to carry you as quickly as possible to the destination shown on your ticket with another scheduled service where seats are available in the class of service you paid for. If you do not accept the readjustment provided, the refund will be automatically processed as necessary in the applicable regulations. If you accept the readjustment provided, we will not charge you an additional fee and will extend the validity of your ticket as needed.”
