It can be extremely frustrating to find out your flight has been cancelled after preparing a long time for it. It does not matter the reason you’re travelling for, either for a vacation or for business, as a flight cancelled causes unnecessary stress regardless. Many people find themselves in such unfortunate situations and become extremely confused on the next steps to take.
We all know that a sudden flight cancellation can disrupt plans made and take a person back to square one in getting their plans together. So, what are your rights and options and what can you do when your flight gets cancelled? Keep reading to find out!
Reasons Why a Flight Can get Cancelled
When it comes to flights getting cancelled, there are many reasons why this can happen from extraordinary situations to situations that can be avoided. For the former, reasons like severe weather and security risks. For the latter, cancellation due to overbooking and technical issues.
For the latter cases, passengers can receive financial compensation, depending on where they are travelling from, as the situations causing cancellation are avoidable.
In the European Union, passengers are entitled to specific rights under the EC 261 law when it comes to air travel to and from Europe. If they experience a flight cancellation, they are eligible to file a claim and receive a payout of up to $650 for compensation. Passengers can only get compensated if the fault is with the airline or the flight cancelled on short notice.
In the US, airlines are not required to financially compensate passengers in cases of a delayed or cancelled domestic flight. The airlines are only required to refund the passengers or offer other benefits to make up for the inconveniences caused, depending on the situation.
How to Claim Compensation
If you are eligible to claim for compensation after your flight gets cancelled, you should have it in mind that the process can be time-consuming and stressful. Dealing with an airline in a case like this does not guarantee swift responses or compensation even with the law on your side.
Luckily, there are services like AirHelp who are ready to assist you in determining your eligibility for compensation and also manage the process on your behalf so you do not have to deal with the airline directly. They handle all the negotiations with the airlines, and with over 16 million passengers helped by them, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.
Steps to Take
For passengers travelling to or from the European Union who are eligible for compensation after a cancelled flight, here is what you can do when your flight is suddenly cancelled:
- Proof of Boarding: When claiming compensation for a cancelled flight, you need to collect proof to show that the flight was indeed cancelled. Your proof of boarding typically refers to documents that show your travel plans like your boarding pass, flight ticket, and any other travel documents
- Get a Written Confirmation: You need to obtain a written confirmation – in the form of an email or a formal document – from the airline that confirms your flight was cancelled and the reasons behind the cancellation. This serves as evidence to support your claim for compensation.
- Rebooking or Refund Request: Once you have carried out both steps written above, you can then request for rebooking a new flight to your destination or a refund of your flight ticket, depending on what you want exactly.
- Record Arrival Time: Be sure to make a note of the scheduled arrival time of your trip to help you calculate any potential delays or compensation which may come in handy when filing your claim.
- Meal and Refreshment Compensation: Request that the airline pays for your meals and refreshments while you make new arrangements following your cancelled flight.
- Protect your Rights: Do not sign anything or accept any offers from the airline as they may waive your rights to compensation or limit what you are entitled to.
- Accommodation Request: If needed, request that the airline provides you with a hotel room as this is often part of their responsibility.
- Keeping Receipts: Ensure that you keep your receipts if your cancelled flight ends up costing more money as this can help in your claim for a compensation.
Now you’re Covered
Now you know your rights, the right people to meet, and the steps you can take if your flight is ever cancelled. If you ever have to deal with a flight cancellation, knowing all these information will make a big difference. Incase you get stuck, organizations like AirHelp will surely simplify the process for you.
