How to get compensation for an airline delay
If you travel a lot by airline it is almost inevitable that at
any time you will experience a delay of some sort. When that
happens, even the most innocuous of delays can have ramifications
that lead to even greater upheavals, missing a connecting flight
being but one example.
What are the consumer's options when seeking compensation?
Start with a common sense approach. Check the airline website
regarding their flight cancellation or delay policy. Determine your
eligibility according to their criteria, and if you qualify,
proceed with your case. It will usually start with contacting the
airline directly (do not contact the airport you flew from). Any
phone contact will probably be a forerunner to a formal letter of
complaint.
Describe what happened clearly, including the length of the
delay and the reasons given for the flight cancellation. For
example, did you remain in the airport or did you require overnight
accommodation? Was it at your expense or did the airline provide
it? Tell them how much it cost you and what you are seeking in
compensation.
Should the above efforts fail you, there is the option to
contact the Air Transport Users Council on
020 7240 6061, or visit complaints@auc.org.uk.
Don't forget the courts. Please see our
GUIDE TO THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT which
contains helpful information on this approach.
Did you buy your tickets with a credit card? Section 75
could be your last available option.
Providing you bought your tickets, or even partly paid
for them using a credit card, and they cost more than £100,
then according to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act of 1974,
you can claim compensation from the credit card
company to cover the costs of your airline
delay. See our Section 75 Claims guide.
Claims Financial