Airlines delays and your legal rights to petition for compensation
Delays are a fact of life for many who travel with the airlines
on a regular basis. Even the occasional traveller will most likely
have a tale or two to tell. But can anything be done to compensate
you for your lost time and money?
Start by consulting the airline's website for their
policy on compensation for flight delays. When applying for a
refund due to extreme delays, you should first contact the actual
airline office from which you purchased your ticket. Do not contact
the airport you flew from. Describe to them what happened,
including the length of your delay and the reasons you were given
for it. Were you left in the airport to wait or did you
require overnight accommodation. Was this at your expense or the
airline's? Tell them what you would like them to pay you as
compensation for your flight delays.
(Providing that no compensation is awarded to you)
contact the Air Transport Users Council on
020 7240 6061, or complaints@auc.org.uk.
As a last resort, you have a legal right to initiate a claim in
your local county court. Have a look at our free GUIDE TO THE SMALL CLAIMS
COURT.
Did you know that if you purchased your ticket with a
credit card you have a further option?
According to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, if your
flight tickets were purchased with a credit card, and cost
£100 or more, you may be able to claim damages for airlines delays
from your credit card provider. Our free Section 75 Claims guide provides
additional information.
Claims
Financial