Flight cancelled - options?

RachVG

Hi,

Sorry if this is something I've missed by searching but I'm at work and trying to help as quickly as I can!

My dad and his wife are on their way to New York, they were scheduled on United 80 this morning out of MAN to EWR at 9.25. There was a short delay, then they finally boarded they taxied to the runway and then they were sent back. The right engine has failed and after waiting at the bar for a couple of hours they've been advised it can't be fixed. They're only going until Monday - what are their options?

Am I right in thinking I can tell them if the airline don't offer a suitable alternative, they can ask to be booked on the BA flight I just found MAN-LHR and LHR-JFK landing tonight at 22.45 New York time even though it's a United flight failure?

AlexMac

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/2200/Major_disruption_advice_accessible.pdf

Civil Aviation Authority advice: includes (1st page)
" If your flight has been cancelled, your airline must get you to your destination or offer you a full refund. If
your flight is delayed by more than 5 hours and you no longer want to travel you are entitled to a full
refund. If you are a transfer passenger you are also entitled to a flight back to your original departure
point. Be aware, once you accept a refund your airline no longer has to look after you. If you are on a
package holiday and you choose to cancel your outbound flight, you may lose your entire holiday.
If you decide you still want to fly, your airline should help get you to your final destination. Airline call
centres and websites will be very busy but be patient and persistent. If you allow your airline to re-book
you then you will have a better chance of getting on an earlier flight with no risk of extra cost or the hassle
of seeking a refund.
If the disruption is severe, your airline may advise you to make your own travel arrangements and will
reimburse reasonable costs. If this happens, make a note of the conversation (when, where, and with
whom) and any guidance from your airline. Ask the airline to update your booking with the agreement.
You shouldn’t assume your travel insurance will cover you if you choose to get yourself to your destination.
If you have contacted your airline but they refuse to organise alternative travel for you, you have the
option to make your own arrangements and claim the costs back from your airline. Try to rebook with the
same airline and travel in the same cabin class. It will be easier to get all your money back if you can keep
the costs down. "

But I've no personal experience ... Bon Voyage??

NiftyDigits

In addition..

jackieblack

What are United offering them?

RachVG

Thanks - I've read that and I travel a lot myself so I'll help him sort that all out when he gets back but for now just want to get them there! It's rubbish to lose a day when you've only got such a short amount of time. I'm waiting for him to tell me what they've been told but I've given him the details of the BA flights in the meantime.

Jackieblack - hopefully I'll find that out soon! Last message I had just said "either get on a later flight or fly tomorrow"

Cardew

United being a USA airline complicates matters re compensation.


They can ask for an alternate flight(s) to be booked but the chance of getting seats down to London for a lot of the delayed passengers is slim and I suspect that First Class/Business class and frequent flyers will get priority.

jackieblack

Any update on how they got on?

RachVG

They were put up in Manchester overnight and flew via Dusseldorf this morning on Lufthansa. I've only had a few texts not spoken on the phone so not sure if they asked for anything in particular or just took what they were offered but at least they're halfway over the ocean now!

I checked they'd spoken to their hotel in NY to make sure they were aware they were still coming but would be a day late, so hopefully the rest of the trip will be smooth!

jackieblack

Thanks for the update
I hope they have a good time when they do eventually arrive