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What are my rights if my flight gets cancelled?

8 June 2022  |  Travel News

EasyJet, British Airways and Ryanair have all cancelled dozens of flights recently due to mass staff shortages that have coincided with a busy period (half term, platy jubes, and the summer holidays). 

If you’re travelling soon, you might find yourself in a little predicament, where you might be googling: What are my rights if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

Well here are your rights when travelling to or from a UK airport [save this article]

How much am I entitled to?

Did you know that if your flight is cancelled fewer than 14 days before departure, you can apply for compensation? The amount you’re entitled to also depends on how far you were travelling, if your flight is over 3.500km, then you’re entitled to a bigger payout. 

Seven to 14 days’ notice

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?

Less than seven days’ notice

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?

What should my airline offer me?

Did you know that airlines have to offer you a similar flight within 24 hours? Otherwise they legally have to pay for you to get there, even if it’s with another supplier. 

You are also entitled to food and drink vouchers if your flight is cancelled or delayed for more than two hours. If you are not provided vouchers from your airline, then you will have to front this, then claim at a later date. Luxury meals and alcohol will not be compensated for. 

If your flight is delayed and if you are re-routed the next day, the airline should also offer you free accommodation, transportation to and from the accommodation, as well as a refund of the cost of calls you have had to make as a result. 

If you’re delayed by more than five hours and no longer want to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund.

Can my airline bump me?

Did you know that you could be denied boarding due to an airline overselling seats?

On most occasions the airline will ask if anyone would like to volunteer to be ‘bumped’, and you will be offered compensation in either cash or vouchers. To help prevent this, please add your frequent flyer number to the booking. The higher the tier, the less chance you have of being rejected.

Did you know the last to check in will be the first out? However there is a downside to checking in early. As soon as you check in, then your travel booker no longer has control over your booking and can no longer make adjustments without contacting the airline directly. Which can be much more time consuming.

Top tip: Have a credit account with your travel booker. This means that you won’t have to go into your own pocket to book an alternative flight/accomodation.

What if I miss my flight due to long queues? 

Unfortunately you’re not entitled to any compensation if you miss your flight due to queues at security. That’s why it’s important to give yourself plenty of time at the airport, and consider purchasing premium fast track to avoid the queues. 

You gotta fight for your right… to get compensation 

It’s important to know your rights. But remember, although you may be entitled to compensation, you’re likely to have to pay upfront. Which we all know can be a right pain in the arse. 

Fighting for compensation is long, difficult and stressful. But that’s all for a reason. If you have not settled your claim within two years then most airlines will no longer offer you the compensation. 

Whatever happens, remember to keep receipts and keep your costs low. 

Lastly, always double check that your travel insurance covers flight cancellations outside of your control. Some insurers may state that you can only claim if your cancelled flight was not rearranged within 24 hours. 

If you do experience delays or cancellations, don’t hesitate to drop us a message and ask for help. But remember, unless you booked through echo.bravo, then we will not have access to your booking, therefore will not be able to make adjustments to your booking. 

Hope you’ve found this article helpful. 

Follow the official echo.bravo club instagram page for regular travel tips. 

If you are travelling soon, you might also find this article helpful: How a false positive can affect your travel. 

Thanks for reading 🙂