If you are travelling with an airline based in the EU or with a non-EU based airline flying from an EU airport, you're protected by the Denied Boarding Regulation. The regulation states that the airline has an obligation to offer you assistance if your flight is cancelled or the delay is expected to go beyond a certain point.
Top tips if your flight is cancelled or delayed
1. Know your rights –. The Denied Boarding Regulation states that the airline has an obligation to offer you assistance if your flight's cancelled or the delay is expected to go beyond a certain point. Depending on the length and circumstances for your delay you could be entitled to, a refund or alternative flight, food, phone calls and accommodation and/or flight cancellation compensation
2. To establish if you are protected by the Denied Boarding regulation you must answer yes to the following:
• Do you have a confirmed booking?
• Did you check in on time?
• Are you departing from or arriving at an EU airport?
3. Keep copies of all supporting evidence - Keep copies of your boarding cards and any other documents in relation to the flight. If you incur any expenses, then ensure you obtain a full receipt for any purchases. Keep a record of any member of staff you have spoken with and make a note of the time and place this took place and ask them to place a note on your booking. The airline will only reimburse what they consider to be reasonable, it is unlikely that alcohol will be refunded.
Your right to compensation for cancelled flights will depend on the reason for the cancellation, If the airline can prove the cancellation was caused by ‘extraordinary circumstances’, no compensation is payable. Extraordinary circumstances are situations beyond the control of the airline, for example, security risk, political instability, a drone or severe weather that makes flying dangerous. Delays and cancellations due to a strike by non-airline staff (for example baggage handlers) are also usually included in this category. Strikes by airline staff are not considered an extraordinary circumstance.
Summerfield Browne have offices in Leicester, Birmingham, London, Oxford, Cambridge and Market Harborough.
