Travel Delays/Strikes - Your rights!
- Owen Marshall Dungworth
- Aug 28, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
What you need to know!
Airline or Air traffic control strikes (usually the french!) or big delays can really mess up your travel plans. But if you're flying in or out of the EU, you have rights! EC Regulation 261/2004 is a rule that protects passengers in these situations.
This post will make it super simple. We'll explain exactly what you're entitled to, like meals, hotels, or even money back, so you can easily deal with disruptions and know your rights.
PLEASE ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE AIRPORT FOR FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS.
Below, we outline your rights as a passenger.
Your rights as a passenger:
If my flight is cancelled, can I get a refund or another flight?
If your flight is covered under UK law, your airline must let you choose between either getting a refund or an alternative flight, regardless of how far in advance the cancellation was made.
To be covered under UK law, your flight must be either:
departing from an airport in the UK on any airline, or
arriving at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline; or
arriving at an airport in the EU on a UK airline.
If you still want to travel, your airline must find you an alternative flight. If another airline is flying to your destination significantly sooner, or there are other suitable modes of transport available, then you have a right to be booked onto that alternative transport instead.
If you have been delayed for more than five hours and no longer wish to travel then you are entitled to a refund.
Am I able to get any food or accommodation?
If you are stuck abroad or at the airport because of a flight cancellation, airlines must also provide you with other assistance until you are able to fly to your destination.
This includes basic essentials like food vouchers, accommodation (for 24hr delays)
If your flight is delayed, many airlines will provide vouchers for you to buy food and drink. If you require accommodation, they may book a hotel and arrange transportation for you.
Sometimes airlines are unable to arrange care and assistance for all passengers. This can happen when staff are stretched during major disruptions.
If this happens, in our view you have the right to organise reasonable care and assistance yourself, then claim the cost back later. If you end up paying for things yourself, keep every receipt and do not spend more than is reasonable. Airlines are unlikely to refund you for things like luxury hotels or alcohol.
What if I booked a package holiday?
If you booked a package holiday with a company that is an ABTA member and your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a suitable alternative flight or a full refund.
Please constantly check with you airline/holiday provider and your itinerary for any changes/delays and always treat staff with respect as they work hard to rectify any issues!
Am I entitled to compensation?
Under UK law, airlines may have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
This depends on what caused the delay – if it wasn’t the airline’s fault, don’t expect to receive any compensation.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
The length of your flight determines the amount that you may be entitled to, so it’s a good idea to check which category your flight falls into:
Length of Flight | Compensation |
Short-haul flight of under 1,500km (e.g. Edinburgh to Amsterdam) | £220 |
Medium-haul flight of 1,500km – 3,500km (e.g. Leeds Bradford to Fuerteventura) | £350 |
Long-haul flight of over 3,500km (e.g. London to New York) | £260 - £520 (Dependant on delay) |
On another note, Ryanair group have started a campaign to keep EU skies open. You can read their campaign and sign there petition here: Air traffic Petition
