Flight delays happen, but knowing your options is the key to manage this stressful situation efficiently.
Flight delays happen, but knowing your options is the key to manage this stressful situation efficiently. Delays can occur due to weather conditions or mechanical issue. UNIGLOBE experts talk about the ways in which you can deal with delays.
If you happen to get stuck at the airport, the first thing you need to know is the cause of delay, as that will determine your next step should be. It is important to understand the difference between weather related delays or mechanical issues - passenger rights differ in both these scenarios. Let’s take a look at the rights you have as a passenger.
Weather delays
Airlines will never guarantee their flight schedule, as delays due to weather conditions and air traffic are often beyond their control. In the case of weather related delays, which may be affecting a number of planes at your airport, airlines are not obligated to provide anything. However, it’s worth asking a gate agent about compensation being offered. You may be able to get a meal voucher if it is a long delay.
Mechanical delays
If your flight is delayed due to a mechanical issue or in some way due to the fault of the airline, the airline is obligated to provide certain compensation under DGCA rules depending on the length of the delay. You could simply check these rules on the airline website under “Contract of Carriage” section. You might also want to seek professional help from a UNIGLOBE expert who can advise you about your options and assist in getting appropriate compensation from the airline.
It looks like my flight will be delayed for a while, what are my options?
If your flight delay is long and isn’t weather-related, check for the flight schedules of an alternate airline by using your UNIGLOBE Complete Access Online tool. Let our experts know if there is a desirable flight with available seats. Our experts can check with the airline you were initially booked with if they can endorse your ticket to the second airline. The airline is not required to do so, but many airlines will work with Travel Management Companies and passengers to keep you happy, particularly if delays are expected to be long. For those finding themselves delayed overseas, it is important to note that airlines in the European Union are required to provide meals and beverages to passengers who are delayed for a longer period. EU airlines are also obligated to provide hotel accommodations when a delay necessitates an overnight stay, and reimbursement when the delay by five hours or more.
What if I get bumped from my flight?
Airlines regularly sell more tickets on a flight than the actual number of seats available as they count on a certain percentage of no-shows. If there is more passengers than the available seats, the airline may offer alternative flights with some form of additional compensation in order to entice certain passengers to give up their seat. If no one is willing, the airline is forced to deny boarding to some passengers. If you are bumped from your flight, you could be eligible for some form of compensation including a possible refund. In this situation, always call your UNIGLOBE expert to help guide you through the best possible solution on your behalf.