Are we entitled to more than a voucher?

nets_2

On the 18th September 2015 at Key West airport, while checking in for 3:10pm flight to Miami, we were told that there was a flight delay, so we asked whether we would miss our connecting flight to Philadelphia, then onto Manchester they confirmed we would.
We boarded the flight to Miami at 4pm. And were told that we have been put on the BA flight at 5.05pm Miami to Heathrow, then onto Manchester. When we got to the BA gate we were told we were not on the list, so no tickets for us, and the flight was full.
We went to the BA check in desk to be told we were now on the 7.30pm American Airlines flight, we got on this flight down to Heathrow then onto Manchester.
Our original flights should of been Key West - Miami - Philadelphia Manchester.
It took us a total of 20 hrs to get home!
I complained to American Airlines and received 2 vouchers worth $200 each.
My question is do I have to accept the vouchers?
Is this an acceptable amount?
Or should I try and claim for more, if thats possible ?

glentoran99

Nope, They don't have to give you anything, You weren't flying out of Europe or into Europe on an EU airlilne

Caz3121

you could also try your travel insurance but the vouchers offered by the airline as goodwill is more than they need to

nets_2

okay thankyou both for your replies!

Marcus-H_2

What was your actual flight booking to Manchester from?
If it was from Key West & a multi-leg booking, then you could claim.
If it was From Miami or Philadelphia, then you probably cant, as the Key West to Miami is a completely separate booking & would be your responsibility to leave enough time for any onward Journey.

Caz3121

Marcus-H wrote: »

If it was from Key West & a multi-leg booking, then you could claim.

incorrect
even if it was a direct flight to the UK there is no claim as the airline is not an EU airline (so even if the delay was on the PHL-MAN leg)
Delays on non-EU airlines only are applicable for EU compensation on flights departing an EU airport

Marcus-H_2

Caz3121 wrote: »

incorrect
even if it was a direct flight to the UK there is no claim as the airline is not an EU airline (so even if the delay was on the PHL-MAN leg)
Delays on non-EU airlines only are applicable for EU compensation on flights departing an EU airport

Is that right. Out of interest, what if it was code-sharing flight?
So you book with Virgin & fly on a Delta plane that is revenue sharing for example.

Caz3121

Marcus-H wrote: »

Is that right. Out of interest, what if it was code-sharing flight?
So you book with Virgin & fly on a Delta plane that is revenue sharing for example.

regulations are clear that it is the operating airline irrespective of who you booked through and what the flight number is.
e.g. you can purchase a flight from the US to US on the BA site with a BA flight number but operated by AA...no EU261 in event of delay (but applicable on AA flight departing from he EU)
It is worth having a read of Vauban's guide, it is very clear