Can I Claim Compensation for a Delayed UK Flight?

The EU regulations on delayed flights protect the rights of passengers if their flight ever gets disrupted. Flight delays happen due to several reasons and are more frequent in the UK than you think. However, you don’t always have to dismiss it as nothing but you can take proper steps to ensure you get compensated. With the EC 261 regulation, you are entitled to some form of compensation and this article will shed more light on what that means. 

What is the EU Regulation 261/2004?

The EU regulation 261/2004 was passed to protect air passengers against severe flight disruption. This may include flight delays and cancellations, missed connecting flights, overbooking, or denied boarding.

You might be able to get compensation if your flight was:

• Leaving from the UK, regardless of the airline involved.
• Arriving in the UK and was with a UK or EU airline.
• Arriving in the EU and was with a UK airline.

In addition, you must also ensure you have a valid booking ticket and have checked in at least 45 minutes before the original time of departure. You are still entitled to compensation even if you are booked on a package holiday, using a low-cost airline, on a business trip, or using free/reduced tickets available to the public. 

What Am I Entitled to Under the EC 261 Law?

Under the EC 261 law, you are entitled to monetary compensation between €250 and €600 per person, depending on the flight distance. A short distance flight (below 1500km) would get up to €250 compensation, while a medium distance flight (between 1500km and 3500km) would get €400 and a long distance flight (over 3500km) attracts €600.

Apart from monetary compensation, you are also entitled to the right to care such as complimentary food and drinks and access to telephone and the internet. If the flight is delayed for more than five hours or eventually cancelled, you are entitled to request a seat on another flight or withdraw from the scheduled flight. Airlines are obligated to inform you of all your rights as an air passenger and everything you may be entitled to if there are delays or cancellations. 

What Should I Do When My Flight is Delayed?

Chances are you have experienced a flight delay before and even if you haven’t, you will likely still be faced with one. What do you do when your flight is delayed? The following steps will guide you on what to do if you ever find yourself in such a situation.

• Find out the reason behind the flight delay, as this can determine whether or not you get compensated. The reason for the delay has to be within the airline’s control. 
• Gather all regular documents, including your flight ticket, booking confirmation, and receipts for other expenses as a result of the delay. 
• Kickstart the process of claiming your compensation by reaching out to the airline or contacting your travel agency first. 

Bottom Line

The EC regulation 261/2004 can protect your rights as an air passenger. The process isn’t all that smooth, so you might need to go through a lawyer or an agency like Flightright. This will help you have a seamless process while ensuring you get duly compensated.