Flights cancellations and your consumer rights
It is an irrefutable and possibly karmic law of the known
universe that all those who travel frequently are doomed to
experience delays or flights cancellations. Another fundamental
truth is that barring your plane actually crashing or vanishing
through a worm-hole, you will most likely have to seek compensation
yourself as the airlines are not famous for beating a path to one's
door, cap and cheque in hand.
Does the consumer have any options?
Begin with common sense. Check the airline's website regarding
flights cancellations and compensation. Assess your eligibility
according to their criteria, and if you qualify proceed with your
case. It will usually begin with contacting the airline directly
(not the airport you flew from). Any phone contact will most likely
be a precursor to a formal letter of complaint.
Describe what happened in detail, including the length of the
delay and the reasons given for the flights cancellations.
For instance, were you left in the airport or did you require
overnight lodgings at your expense? Tell them how much it cost you
and what you demand in compensation.
Should your efforts fail, you may contact the Air Transport
Users Council on 020 7240 6061, or visit
complaints@auc.org.uk.
You have the further legal right to pursue a claim in your local
county court against your flights cancellations. Please see
our free GUIDE TO THE SMALL CLAIMS
COURT which contains useful information on this
tactic.
Did you purchase your flights cancellations tickets with
a credit card? It could be your last resort!
Providing you bought your flight tickets, or partly paid
for them using a credit card, and assuming they cost £100 or
more, 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 flight
cancellation.
To learn more about making a Section 75 claim see our Section 75
Claims guide.
Claims Financial