July 19th 2024.
If you find yourself stuck at the airport before takeoff, instead of taking a nap, why not take a moment to familiarize yourself with your rights in case of a delay? It's 2024, but it feels like we've gone back in time to the Y2K scare as the world is hit with a widespread IT outage. This is causing major disruptions for banks, news outlets, and even the London Stock Exchange. Unfortunately, it's also causing major headaches for travelers, as flights have been grounded in Australia and Germany, and US airlines are being instructed to keep their planes in the air.
On British soil, airports are experiencing issues with their boarding pass scanners. London Gatwick has alerted passengers to possible delays, while London Stansted is currently checking people in manually. Edinburgh Airport has also reported longer wait times due to the IT outage. Ryanair, one of the affected airlines, has advised travelers to arrive at the airport three hours before their scheduled flight to account for any potential disruptions. So, what can you do if your holiday plans are thrown off by a flight delay?
While many passengers are aware of their rights when it comes to flight cancellations, the rules around delays are not as well-known. However, according to travel experts, most travelers are more likely to experience delays rather than cancellations. This is because the majority of flights will still take off, even if there are significant delays, as long as the airline can find enough staff to operate the flight. So, what should you do if you find yourself facing a delay? Here's a breakdown of your options.
First, it's important to understand what qualifies as a flight delay. Under UK law, airlines are required to provide assistance and compensation to passengers for significant delays. This includes food and drink, means of communication, and temporary accommodation with transportation to a nearby hotel if the delay lasts more than a day. Additionally, passengers on UK or EU-regulated flights are entitled to compensation for delays of over three hours upon arrival, starting at £210 for short-haul flights. However, this compensation is not guaranteed if the delay is caused by "extraordinary circumstances" that were out of the airline's control.
These rules apply to all flights departing from a UK or EU airport, regardless of the country of origin of the airline. This means that they also apply to flights between two EU countries or any other EU-regulated flight that does not involve the UK. Furthermore, if the delay causes you to miss a connecting flight from a non-UK, non-EU airport, you may still be entitled to compensation if both flights were part of a single booking and the delay was significant enough to impact your travel plans.
In situations where the delay exceeds five hours and you no longer wish to take the flight, you are entitled to a full refund, regardless of the cause. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you have a return flight booked with the same airline, this may also be canceled as part of the refund. It's always a good idea to check with your airline before making any decisions.
In light of the recent IT outage, it's worth noting that airlines may try to argue that the delay was caused by "extraordinary circumstances" and therefore not eligible for compensation. This is where having travel insurance can come in handy. Even if the airline does not offer compensation, your insurance may cover the costs of the delay. It's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered in case of delays or cancellations.
If you do find yourself facing a flight delay, there are a few things you can do at the airport to help minimize the impact. First, be sure to make a fuss if your flight is due to depart soon and you're running late due to delays at the airport. Airport staff are usually willing to help and may be able to fast track you through security or check-in. If you're having trouble getting updates from your airline, you can also track your flight in real-time using websites like FlightRadar24. And if all else fails, buried in the terms and conditions of many airlines is a promise to help in these situations, so it's always worth asking for assistance.
Have you experienced a flight delay due to a widespread issue like the recent IT outage? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And remember, it's always a good idea to stay informed and know your rights as a passenger in case of any disruptions to your travel plans.
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