You arrive at the airport an hour before departure because you don’t want to miss your flight. You sit and wait for the scheduled flight, but suddenly, the state is delayed. Downer, isn’t it? Instead of getting excited about the whole ride, it gets frustrating and the real fun hasn’t even started.
Like it or not, delayed flights do happen from time to time, and that’s something that’s out of your hands. Even seasoned travelers would say the same. Despite traveling multiple times, delayed flights are annoying and can affect anyone’s patience and mood. So what is your best armor against delayed flights? Shell a bit for the travel insurance delayed flight in case you need to reschedule or book a different flight.
Basic passenger rights due to delayed flights
Let’s say you are waiting for your flight at an EU airport. You also fly with an EU registered airline arriving at an EU airport.
If the flight is delayed for two hours, the airline is responsible for you until they get it on your flight. They are required to give you access to calls or emails, a snack or meal with a drink, or overnight accommodations when needed. You also have the right to seek any form of assistance when you need it. If you have out-of-pocket expenses, your travel insurance coverage can reimburse you once you make a claim.
When to make an insurance claim
In addition to access to communication and more refreshments, travelers are entitled to financial compensation if flights are delayed for at least three hours. That is according to EU laws. The compensation depends on the distance of your flight and the delay until your arrival.
Each passenger receives € 250 for a flight distance of 1,500 km or less. If the flight distance is between 1,500 and 3,500 km, passengers are entitled to compensation of € 400 per person. If the delay in your arrival is four hours or more with a flight distance of at least 3,500 km, you can claim compensation of € 600.
While there seems to be a rainbow after the rain, don’t get your hopes up just yet. To make a successful claim, the delay MUST be the fault of the airline. If the delay occurs due to natural events or unforeseen circumstances such as protests and strikes, the chances of obtaining compensation are low or nil.
Abandon a flight too late
If the delay exceeds five hours, you can choose not to take the flight, regardless of the cause of the delay and the distance of the flight. You can get a full refund for that booking, including a return ticket if it’s booked on the same airline. However, if you take the flight, you can claim compensation of up to € 600, since the cause of the delay is the fault of the airline.
Another lifeline is your travel insurance delayed flight. It may also provide you with some coverage if you decide not to continue your trip due to serious flight delays. Read the policy and find out its limits and how much coverage it provides when flights are delayed.
