How to claim compensation for flight delays

How to claim compensation for flight delays

It was 8pm Jordanian time in October 2013 when we were informed that our flight was delayed by another two and a half hours. The tiny food box containing a stale cheese sandwich and a limp croissant was hardly compensation for missing the last train out of London Heathrow, which meant spending £50 on a taxi. Just great.

We grumbled and we groaned and resigned ourselves to the extra effort. It wasn't until a few months later, when we spoke to a friend, that we discovered we were entitled to compensation - a whopping £420 between us. If you've had a flight that was delayed (or canceled) by more than three hours in the last six years, you may also be entitled to flight delay compensation, depending on the circumstances.

How to claim:

1. Sehen Sie sich den Abschnitt „Fragen“ unten an und vergewissern Sie sich, dass Sie alle darin enthaltenen Punkte mit Ja beantworten können. Wenn dies der Fall ist, fahren Sie mit Schritt 2 fort. Wenn dies nicht der Fall ist, ist es unwahrscheinlich, dass Ihr Antrag erfolgreich ist.

2. Find the airline's complaints department online and send them a letter using these templates from the excellent moneysavingexpert.com: Flight Delays and Cancellations. Make sure you include the passenger name(s), your address, contact details, flight details (booking number, flight number, departure airport and destination airport), flight duration (check here) and your flight receipt - plus supporting documents if applicable (boarding passes or tickets).

3. If the airline tries to wriggle out of it, complain to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Questions

Was it an EU flight?

The compensation only applies to EU flights. This is defined as a flight departing from an EU airport (regardless of the airline) or where an EU airline lands at an EU airport. This means that a flight from London to New York will qualify regardless of the airline, but a flight from New York to London will not qualify if you are flying on a non-EU airline (e.g. Jet Airways).

Was the airline at fault?

Compensation is only payable if the delay or cancellation was caused by the airline. For example, bad weather, labor disputes, political problems, safety problems, aircraft manufacturer technical problems or air traffic management decisions are considered “extraordinary circumstances” that relieve the airline of all liability. However, if the delay was caused by a late crew or pilot, a cancellation due to underbooking, technical problems with the airline or failed security checks, the airline is liable. View a full list of exceptional circumstances.

Was the delay more than three hours?

Compensation is only due in the event of a late arrival of three hours or more. This means that you are not entitled to compensation if you departed three hours late but caught up 5 minutes in the air and landed 2 hours 55 minutes late; it depends on the arrival time. The amount of compensation depends on the distance traveled and the duration of the delay:

• Bis zu 1.500 km (3 Stunden): £210 pro Person
• 1.500 km-3.500 km (3 Stunden): £335 pro Person
• 3.500 km+ (3-4 Stunden): £250 pro Person
• 3.500 km+ (4+ Stunden): £505 pro Person

Check flight distance: www.webflyer.com Check if the flight was delayed: www.flightstats.com (registration required)

Was the delay/cancellation after 2007?

Flights after February 2005 are entitled to compensation, but airlines could be a bit sneaky with claims before 2007 as they cannot be taken to court due to the statute of limitations.

Good luck. Let us know in the comments if the outcome of your claim was successful.

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