Compensation for delayed flights Discussion Area

stephderm

When I book a 'flight' I consider that to mean both the outward leg and the return leg. This is important because I booked a flight which was due to leave on 6th August - returning 2nd September. Whilst I was airborne - the airline cancelled my return leg - their suggested alternative was hilarious - rerouting me through 4 different airports. I eventually got it sorted and flew out on 3rd September having spent a great deal of my holiday fighting with them about their responsibilities. I lost my connecting flight on 2nd and was hugely inconvenienced. This one really wrankles with me but I imagine I fall foul of the 7-14 day rule. Is it worth a punt?

Caz3121

stephderm wrote: »

When I book a 'flight' I consider that to mean both the outward leg and the return leg.

If you book a return ticket then you are booking 2 flights. A one way ticket with no changes would be a singular flight

From your post, you were advised of your 2nd September being cancelled on the 6th August is that correct? If so there is no compensation as you were given over 14 days notice
Did you speak to your travel insurance re the separate flight?

adam10ew

I have just attempted to claim with AirFrance for a four hour delay to a flight from Barcelona to Aberdeen via Paris CdG.

They responded quickly declining my claim as although all indications at the time (including the helpful customer service desk and a text from the airline) were that the delay was caused by 'operational' reasons (which I understand to mean being the airline's fault - but correct me if I'm wrong), they have stated that it was an air traffic control issue.

I have asked for further clarity, but is there any way I can legitimately find out the actual cause of delay, and whether or not they are simply manipulating the facts to suit a non-award of compensation?

Any help appreciated! Thanks. :money:

JPears

read Vauban's guide. When was your flight? have you googled any ATC issues for your date?

adam10ew

Thanks, will read the guide today.

Flight was Monday 1st June. Will Google for ATC issues - are there any specific online resources you would recommend?

Thanks again.

symphony63

I was due to leave on a flight from LHR to EWR and I was notified on the day of the flight that this flight is cancelled. I was offered to take a later flight which would have arrived about 2 hours later. I couldn't accept that alternative as I had booked bulk head seats because I was travelling with a baby and on the alternative flight they couldn't give me those seats. I therefore had to cancel and book with another airline.
What are my rights for compensation? Do I have to accept their alternative flight even if it's not convenient to travel at that given time for whatever reason?

NoviceAngel

Cancelled within 14 days, so EU261 applies, have a read of Vaubans excellent guide, that explains your next steps to compensation.

Cheers,


NoviceAngel

Manxphil

NoviceAngel wrote: »

Cancelled within 14 days, so EU261 applies, have a read of Vaubans excellent guide, that explains your next steps to compensation.

Cheers,


NoviceAngel

Vaubans guide is excellent for UK actions but will not apply in many European countries due to different legal systems even though the same EU legislation applies. I have explained in Spain (as an example) claims under Euros 2,000 each party has to pay their own legal fees so the maximum claim of Euro 600 disappears very quickly in legal fees so not worth it?

symphony63

NoviceAngel wrote: »

Cancelled within 14 days, so EU261 applies, have a read of Vaubans excellent guide, that explains your next steps to compensation.

I know EU261 applies as I read Vaubens guide 10x. My question is:
On denied boarding, if I can't accept their alternative option ie a flight 2 hours later as they can't allocate me the seats as in the first flight and the next alternative is a flight 2 hours earlier that I cant accept as I cant leave work 2 hours earlier. I therefore have to buy a new travel ticket with another airline. they offered to refund the whole fare. How do I claim the EU261 compensation is it €300 or nothing as the alternative would have arrived within the 3 hour slot or €600 as the next alternative would have been the next day ie 4+ hours later?
My question basically is, if I cant accept the alternative the airline offers that would have arrived within 3 hours, for whatever reason, and the only other alternative is a flight arriving 4+hours later am I entitled to compensation?

JPears

Manxphil wrote: »

Vaubans guide is excellent for UK actions but will not apply in many European countries due to different legal systems even though the same EU legislation applies. I have explained in Spain (as an example) claims under Euros 2,000 each party has to pay their own legal fees so the maximum claim of Euro 600 disappears very quickly in legal fees so not worth it?

That is true, but if you can use a UK address you can use the UK legal system. The objective is to be as persuasive as possible making the airline fully aware of your legal rights, before its gets to legal action.