Flight delays and cancelations often frustrated the passengers. No one wants to face this. However, some things are beyond the airline’s control, and they might cancel their flight under certain circumstances. However, when an airline cancels a flight or runs late from the scheduled time, the airline is liable to compensate or support the passengers. Continue to read and learn about your rights, so if your flight gets delayed or canceled next time, you can ask for compensation. 

Passenger Rights for Delayed or Canceled Flights

Passenger Rights for Delayed Flights

If your flight is delayed, your rights as a passenger depend on the duration, the distance of your flight, and the laws or regulations that apply to your flight. You are advised to read the terms and conditions of the compensation for your respective airline. The policies will remain the same for most airlines. Here are some rules and regulations followed by most of the airline when flight delays: 

1. Right to Care and Assistance: If your flight is delayed (usually two hours or more, depending on the flight distance), the airline must provide you with care and assistance. This includes:

• Meals and Refreshments: You are entitled to meals and refreshments that are appropriate to the waiting time.
• Communication: The airline must allow you to make two telephone calls, send faxes, or email.
• Accommodation: If the delay extends overnight, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.

2. Right to Compensation: If your flight is delayed by three hours or more upon arrival, you may be entitled to compensation. The compensation amount will vary on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight:

• Short-haul flights (up to 1,500 km): Up to €250.
• Medium-haul flights (1,500 to 3,500 km): Up to €400.
• Long-haul flights (over 3,500 km): Up to €600.

Note: The compensation amount can differ for different airlines. So, for accurate information, talk to your airline agent. 

3. Reimbursement and Re-routing: If your flight is delayed by more than five hours, you have the right to choose between:

• Reimbursement: A full refund of your ticket within seven days.
• Re-routing: An alternative flight to your final destination at the earliest opportunity.

Passenger Rights for Canceled Flights

When a flight is canceled, your rights are generally stronger, as the disruption is more significant. The rights outlined below apply to cancellations:

Right to Re-routing or Refund: If your flight is canceled, the airline must offer you a choice between:

• Re-routing: An alternative airline ticket to your final destination at the earliest possible time or at a later date of your convenience, subject to seat availability.
• Refund: A full refund of the ticket price which should be processed within seven days.

Right to Compensation: In addition to re-routing or a refund, you may be entitled to compensation for the cancellation. The amount of compensation is similar to that for delayed flights:

• Short-haul flights: Up to €250.
• Medium-haul flights: Up to €400.
• Long-haul flights: Up to €600.

However, compensation may not be due if:

• The airline informed you of the cancellation at least 14 days before departure.
• The airline offered an alternative flight with similar timing.

Right to Care and Assistance: If your flight is canceled and you choose to be re-routed, the airline must provide care and assistance similar to those provided during delays. This includes meals, refreshments, accommodation, and transport.

Note: The compensation amount may not remain the same for all airlines. Talk to the airline agent through whom you booked your flight ticket to find the exact figure. 

Procedure to Apply for Compensation

If you believe you are entitled to compensation for a delayed or canceled flight, follow these steps to apply:

• Gather Your Documents: Collect all relevant documents, including your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any receipts for additional expenses (e.g., meals and accommodation) incurred due to the delay or cancellation.
• Contact the Airline: Begin by contacting the airline directly. Most airlines have an online form or customer service email where you can submit your claim. Clearly state the details of your flight, the nature of the disruption, and the compensation you are requesting.
• Provide Supporting Evidence: Attach copies of your documents, including proof of the delay or cancellation and any correspondence with the airline. If applicable, include evidence of additional expenses for which you seek reimbursement.
• Wait for a Response: Airlines are typically required to respond to compensation claims within a reasonable time frame. Depending on the airline and the case's complexity, this can range from a few weeks to several months.
• Escalate If Necessary: If the airline rejects your claim or fails to respond, you can escalate the issue by filing a complaint with the relevant national enforcement body or aviation authority.

Conclusion 

There are times when an airline may have to cancel a flight for various reasons. Don't let your travel plans be affected by this. Know your rights - you can reschedule your flight, ask for compensation, or receive a refund if your flight is delayed or canceled. Review the information provided above to learn more about your rights. Feel free to speak to your airline's representative for further clarification.