Passenger Rights: What You Need to Know About Flight Cancellations and Delays
Summer 2023 is shaping up to be a chaotic one for air travelers. Flight cancellations and delays are on the rise, and many airlines are struggling to keep up with demand. flight cancellations
One of the main reasons for the chaos is staff shortages. Many airlines laid off staff during the pandemic, and they have been slow to hire back. This has led to a shortage of pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew.
The staff shortage is causing problems at all stages of the flight process. Pilots are being forced to work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and mistakes. Flight attendants are struggling to cope with the increased workload, and ground crews are having trouble handling the volume of passengers.
The staff shortage is also causing problems with aircraft maintenance. Planes are not being properly maintained, which can lead to mechanical problems and cancellations.
The chaos is not just affecting passengers. Airlines are also losing money. They are having to pay overtime to their existing staff, and they are also compensating passengers for cancelled and delayed flights.
It is unclear when the staff shortage will be resolved. Airlines are hiring more staff, but it will take time for them to be fully trained and operational. In the meantime, travelers should be prepared for more cancellations and delays.
Your rights: What can you do if your flight is cancelled?
With all the flights cancelled due to staff shortages, strikes, and problems at the airport, what are your rights if it happens to you? We’ll break it down:
Get your flight rebooked or refunded Flight Cancellations
If one of your summer flights is cancelled, the first thing you need to do is ask the airline to rebook your ticket.
But how do you rebook a cancelled flight ticket? Well, the best way is to contact the airline directly. You could either contact them online via their website or an app or, if you’re already at the airport, approach the information desk to see how you can have your flight rebooked. Airlines should be proactive and already offer you a replacement flight for your trip as soon as they cancel it.
Do you have to pay to rebook a flight? Absolutely not! You have already paid for your ticket, and the airline is obligated to provide you with the service that you paid for. They must also do their best to provide you with a similar route to your destination.
If you wish to no longer fly, another option is to refund your flight ticket. The airline should pay you back the full cost of your ticket. Again, be sure to contact the airline so that you can get your money back.
Here are some tips for travelers who are affected by flight cancellations or delays:
- Be flexible with your travel plans. If your flight is cancelled, try to rebook on another flight as soon as possible. If you are unable to rebook, consider taking a train or bus instead.
- Claim compensation for your cancelled or delayed flight. Under EU law, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 per passenger. You can claim compensation through a company like AirHelp.
- Be patient and understanding with airline staff. They are under a lot of pressure to deal with the chaos.
Ask for a refund of additional costs
If your flight cancellation led to you having to pay additional costs, you can get these refunded. For example, if you need additional nights’ hotel accommodation because the first replacement flight is days later, the airline should cover reasonable costs. If the airline can only fly you to a different airport, and you suddenly have to pay for a train or coach to travel onwards to your original destination, you can also have these refunded.
However, though you are entitled to claim back these costs, you may need to fight for them. Be sure to hold onto all the receipts and ensure they name you as the recipient, where possible. It will also help if you have any proof of the disruption, such as emails from the airline or pictures at the airport. You can then send all of these receipts to the airline — they will typically have a form on their website where you can upload them.
Secure your luggage
With all this flight chaos, many passengers are finding it difficult to get ahold of their luggage because it was either delayed, damaged, or even lost. If you end up losing your luggage during a flight, be sure to report it right away — do not leave the airport until you can be sure that the airline can recover your bag for you!
Go to the baggage kiosk or information desk and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). They will then attempt to trace the bag for you — in some cases, it may take several days, but the airline will keep in touch with you so that they know where to deliver your bag.
The future of air travel is uncertain flight cancellations
The staff shortage is just one of the challenges that airlines are facing. The industry is also grappling with rising fuel prices and increased competition from low-cost carriers.
It is possible that the chaos of summer 2023 will be a sign of things to come. If airlines are unable to resolve the staff shortage, it could lead to more cancellations and delays in the future.
Relax and enjoy your summer despite the flight chaos
Though this year’s scramble to finally go on holiday again turned out to be more stressful than most people anticipated, don’t let it get you down! Just be sure to stay calm, be sure to read up on your rights in case of a flight delay or cancellation, and do your best to adapt to the situation and enjoy the trip.
AirHelp is here to help you with your compensation claims so that you can relax and enjoy your summer— you deserve it!
