June 23rd 2024.
Today, Manchester Airport has been thrown into a state of chaos due to a sudden power cut. As a result, flights have been cancelled and delayed, causing major disruption for passengers. Both Terminal 1 and 2 have been affected, with over 50 flights being cancelled and those that are still scheduled to depart experiencing significant delays.
For those whose flights have been cancelled, there may be a sense of uncertainty and confusion about what to do next and what their rights are in this situation. To provide some clarity, we have looked into the options available to passengers when their flight is cancelled or delayed.
First and foremost, it's important to know that when flying to or from the UK, passengers are protected by UK laws in the event of flight cancellations. The Civil Aviation Authority has outlined the rights that passengers have in these situations.
One of these rights is that airlines must provide care and assistance to passengers, which includes supplying food, drinks, and means of communication. Typically, this is done through vouchers that can be used at shops and restaurants in the airport. In cases where passengers are re-booked on a flight for the following day, the airline is responsible for providing accommodation, usually in a nearby hotel, and transportation to and from the airport. Even if the delay lasts longer than one day, the airline must still provide these services until the passenger is able to reach their destination.
However, in cases of major disruption, airlines may struggle to assist a large number of passengers. If this happens, it's important for passengers to keep all receipts for expenses incurred until they are able to board their replacement flight. These expenses should be reasonable, such as food, drinks, and emergency accommodation.
The situation at Manchester Airport today has caused pandemonium, leaving many passengers wondering if they will be refunded for their cancelled flight if they no longer wish to travel. The short answer is yes. According to CAA guidance, passengers are entitled to a full refund for any parts of the ticket that they have not used. This means that if the outbound leg of a return flight is cancelled, the passenger can receive a full refund for the entire ticket.
As for compensation, this can be a bit of a grey area. In general, if a flight is cancelled without 14 days notice, passengers are entitled to claim compensation. However, each airline may have different policies and it's important to check with the specific airline about their cancellation compensation. It's also worth noting that if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather or strikes, the passenger may not be eligible for compensation.
In the event of a delay, passengers should know that they are entitled to certain rights as well. Under UK law, airlines must provide passengers experiencing significant delays with food, drinks, means of communication, and accommodation if their flight is pushed back a day. The definition of a significant delay varies depending on the length of the flight, but generally it means waits of more than two hours for short-haul flights, three hours for medium-haul flights, and four hours for long-haul flights.
Passengers are also entitled to compensation for delays of more than three hours to the arrival time, starting at £210 for short-haul flights. However, this compensation may not be available if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances. These rules apply to all flights leaving from a UK or EU airport, regardless of the airline's country of origin.
If a delay exceeds five hours and the passenger no longer wishes to travel, they are entitled to a full refund, regardless of the cause. However, if the passenger still plans to reach their destination by alternative means, it's important to consider if the return flight purchased through the original airline will be included in the refunded booking.
To protect against delays, it's always a good idea to have travel insurance. Many insurers offer cover for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances. If a delay occurs at check-in or security processing, it may be helpful to speak up and ask for assistance, as some airlines may offer to rebook the flight for free. In cases where staff are not readily available, passengers can track their flight in real-time using FlightRadar24.
In conclusion, while a power cut may have caused chaos at Manchester Airport today, passengers can take comfort in knowing that they are protected by UK laws and have rights in the event of flight cancellations or delays. It's important to keep in mind that each airline may have different policies and it's worth checking with them directly for more information.
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