Flight Cancellation and Delay: Know Your Rights

Flight cancellation and delay can be stressful, frustrating, and costly, whether you’re flying for business or leisure. At FTO Travels, we understand how important it is to protect your travel experience. We’ve prepared this detailed guide to help you understand your rights, entitlements, and the flight cancellation compensation process.

Your Rights During Flight Cancellation and Delay

When your flight experiences a significant flight cancellation and delay, especially under EU Regulation 261/UK Regulation, you have the necessary rights:

• Right to Information: The airline must inform you about the disruption (delay/cancellation) and your entitlements as soon as possible.
• Right to Care (Assistance):
  • This kicks in after specific delay thresholds (e.g., 2 hours for short flights, 3 hours for medium flights, and 4 hours for long-haul flights).
  • Airlines must provide meals and refreshments, allow two free phone calls/emails, and offer hotel accommodation and transport if an overnight stay is needed.
  • This “Right to Care” applies even if the disruption is due to “extraordinary circumstances” (like severe weather).

• Right to Rerouting or Refund:
  • If your flight is delayed by 5 hours or more or is cancelled, you have the choice:
    • You will receive a full refund for the unused parts of your ticket (and for flown parts if the trip’s purpose is lost, with a return flight if needed).
    • Alternative transport to your final destination should be available as soon as possible or at a later date that is convenient for you.

• Right to Flight Cancellation Compensation:
  • You are generally entitled to financial flight cancellation compensation if your flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure and the airline is at fault (not “extraordinary circumstances”).
  • Compensation amounts are fixed based on flight distance:
    • €250 (for flights up to 1,500 km)
    • €400 (for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km)
    • €600 (for flights over 3,500 km)
  • Exceptions to Compensation: No compensation is due for “extraordinary circumstances” if you were notified more than 14 days in advance or accepted an alternative flight with a similar arrival time.

Common Causes of Flight Cancellation and Delay

Understanding why delays and cancellations happen can help you manage your expectations and claims:

• Weather disruptions (e.g., fog, storms)
• Technical or mechanical issues
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Staffing shortages
• Security threats or strikes

Note: Compensation eligibility often depends on whether the disruption was within the airline’s control.

How to Claim Compensation for Cancelled Flight or Delayed Flight

Knowing how to claim compensation for a canceled flight or delayed flight is crucial to protecting your finances:

1. Keep all documents: Boarding pass, booking confirmation, and email notifications.
2. Ask for a written explanation: Get clear reasons from the airline.
3. Submit a claim: Visit the airline’s website or use an official complaint form.
4. Be persistent: Follow up if you don’t get a timely response.
5. Use third-party services: Claim assistance companies can help (some charge a fee).

Key Regulations Governing Flight Delays & Cancellations: Your Rights Explained

Specific regulations in different regions primarily govern passenger rights during flight cancellations and delays. The most prominent and passenger-friendly rules are:

1. EU Regulation 261/2004 (EC 261): This is arguably the most comprehensive and well-known passenger rights regulation globally. It applies to:
   • All flights depart from an EU airport (regardless of the airline).
   • All flights arriving at an EU airport from outside the EU if the operating airline is an EU-licensed carrier.
2. UK Regulation (derived from EC 261): Post-Brexit, the UK has its equivalent regulation that mirrors EC 261, applying to flights departing from the UK or arriving in the UK on a UK/EU airline.
3. Montreal Convention / Warsaw Convention: These treaties govern airline liability for international flights, including delays, baggage, and passenger injury. While they set limits, they are less prescriptive about specific rights than EC 261.
4. National Regulations: Many countries, including Bangladesh, have their own civil aviation rules, though these may vary in scope and compensation levels compared to comprehensive frameworks like EC 261. In Bangladesh, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) oversees these matters, and while there are provisions for passenger welfare, specific compensation amounts like those in the EU may differ.

Important Note for Bangladeshi Travelers: When flying from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to an EU/UK destination or within Bangladesh, understanding which regulation applies is crucial for knowing your rights regarding flight cancellation compensation and assistance. If your flight originates from an EU/UK airport, EC 261/UK Regulation will apply. If it’s a Bangladeshi airline flying to an EU/UK airport, those regulations may also apply.

Flight Delay Policies by Major Airlines

Every airline has its policy. Here’s a brief comparison:

Travel Insurance: An Added Layer of Protection

To strengthen your defence against flight cancellation and delay, consider travel insurance that includes:

• Trip delay reimbursement
• Baggage loss/delay coverage
• Emergency Medical
• Trip cancellation due to illness, weather, or strikes

Tip: Check your credit card or travel insurance plan for included coverage.

Prevention and Preparation: Minimizing the Impact of Flight Cancellation and Delay

While you can’t prevent flight cancellations and delays, you can certainly prepare for them:

• Book Early: Sometimes, booking earlier gives you more rerouting options.
• Direct Flights: Opt for direct flights, as they eliminate connection risks.
• Travel Insurance: As mentioned, robust travel insurance is your best friend.
• Monitor Flight Status: Check your flight status regularly before heading to the airport.
• Airline Communication: To receive timely updates, provide the airline or travel agency with your correct phone number and email.
• Pack Smart: Keep essentials (medication, toiletries, important documents) in your carry-on bag in case of long delays or lost luggage.
• Stay Calm: While frustrating, remaining calm and polite can help find solutions.

FAQs About Flight Cancellation and Delay Rights

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

Depending on the duration, ask the airline for updates, rerouting, or meal vouchers.

Am I entitled to compensation for delayed flights?

If the delay is over 3 hours and within airline control (EU rules apply).

How do I claim flight cancellation compensation?

You can submit a claim through the airline’s website with your flight and booking details.

Do I get hotel accommodation if my flight is delayed?

If the delay extends overnight, it’s the airline’s fault.

Does Bangladesh have passenger protection laws?

CAAB requires airlines to offer refunds or rebooking for delays or cancellations.

What happens if the delay is due to weather?

No compensation is due, but assistance like meals or a hotel may still be offered.

Are budget airlines required to pay compensation?  

Where rules apply if operating in regions like the EU or the US.

Can I get compensation for missed connections?

If they were booked under the same ticket and the cause was airline-related, yes.

Is travel insurance necessary for delays?

It’s highly recommended that extra expenses not paid by the airline be covered.

Can FTO Travels help me file a compensation claim?

Absolutely. Contact us for guidance, and we’ll help you with the process.

Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Travel Smart

Flight disruptions are inconvenient, but you don’t have to face them alone. Understanding your rights during flight cancellation and delay, knowing how to claim flight cancellation compensation, and being proactive can protect your time, money, and peace of mind.

At FTO Travels, we’re committed to supporting you from booking to boarding.

Are you facing a flight cancellation or delay? Let FTO Travels help you understand your rights and claim what’s rightfully yours. Contact us now for expert travel support.