According to, the most impactful and enjoyable trips are those spent with family and friends, with around 80 percent enjoying weeklong family vacations and 64% enjoying staying overnight with friends and family.
However, one thing that can really rain down on that parade is flight delays. If you’re traveling for business or pleasure, a delay may mean missing an important meeting or event. You may end up spending more money on accommodations or needing to take another flight to get where you need to go.
While there isn’t much that airlines can do about weather conditions, some types of delays are within the airline’s control, and they are required by law to compensate passengers who experience them. This article will cover the important things you need to know about flight delays so that you can get the right compensation.
Common Causes of Flight Delay
Flight delays can be caused by a number of reasons, but the most common are weather and airport congestion.
Airport congestion causes delays when planes are forced to wait in a holding pattern during landing or takeoff because they’re too close together. When this happens, as it often does during rush hour, there’s not enough room on the runway for all of them to land at once. The pilot then has no choice but to circle around until it is their turn. This could take anywhere from 10 minutes up until an hour or more, depending on how many planes are ahead of them in line.
Weather-related flight delays happen when inclement weather conditions make flying unsafe for passengers and crew members alike. For example, high winds might cause turbulence for those sitting near windows. Snow makes landing difficult if visibility is poor from ice buildup on wings/propellers, etc.
How much compensation can you get?
It is important to understand that the flight delay compensation you receive is dependent on what caused your delay. If a flight was delayed due to weather issues, then you are likely entitled to a refund of your tickets and any other fees.
In addition to being compensated for your ticket, you might also be eligible for a refund on cancellation fees or accommodation expenses incurred by being stuck at the airport. However, if mechanical problems or crew issues caused a delay, then you may be entitled to more compensation depending on how much time you were delayed.
In the event of flight cancellation, the airline will pay your compensation through cash or a bank transfer. However, if you have trip cancellation insurance, then you can make a last-minute cancellation to your itinerary. It’s important to check the fine print to see if your coverage has disease outbreaks included at the intended travel destinations and restrictions if there are any. You should carefully examine the policy and find out if it covers what you need if a close family member or yourself becomes sick.
The compensation will also depend on the location you are departing from or arriving at. For instance, if you are departing from an EU airport or arriving at one, you can claim up to €600 as flight delay compensation for American Airlines. American Airlines has flights all over the world, meaning that the refund policies will differ from place to place.
Compensation for connecting flights
If you had connecting flights, they might only pay one delay fee instead of both of them.
When you have a connection, it is important to check the rules for each leg of your trip. If you are connecting in the US, you are not eligible for compensation. However, if your first flight was overseas and then connected to another flight that was also international (but still on two separate airlines), then you may be eligible as per the flight delay compensation regulations in the EU.
Finally, even if your itinerary included two separate legs and one of them was domestic or international but with no changeover period between flights using different carriers — this does not mean that delays will be covered. Make sure that you talk to a nodal officer or check the airline’s website to get the information.
Pro tips on what to do when your flight is delayed
Check the airline’s website
Check the airline’s website to see if they offer compensation for flight delays. Read the terms and conditions of your ticket to determine if you’re eligible for compensation. You can call the airline’s customer service number and ask about their delay policies. It is also possible to contact them online through social media
Ask them about a hotel voucher
If your flight is delayed for more than three hours, you’re entitled to a hotel voucher. You can ask for one from the airline directly or from their website. Ask for a room near the airport and use it as a base if needed. It’s also possible that the airline will offer meals and entertainment vouchers as well as one night at a nearby hotel if your flight is delayed overnight or canceled entirely.
Keep your calm
Finally, remember that flights get delayed all the time (especially during peak seasons). Don’t get frustrated with the staff at the airport or with anyone else involved in this process! Be polite and professional at all times because they’re just doing their job, too: helping travelers get on board safely so you can reach your destinations sooner rather than later! Remember that you are eligible for compensation in case of denied boarding as well.
File your compensation
Regarding the compensation, you can check the airline’s website or talk to a nodal officer. Keep your boarding pass and baggage claim stub. If you don’t have a ticket copy, you could be out of luck if you need compensation for flight delays or cancellations. You can also reach out to places like Air Advisor for more information on flight delay compensation from United Airlines.
Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into what to expect and do when your flight is delayed. If you plan on traveling soon, please check with your airline for more information on rules regarding compensation for delays. Safe travels!
