How To Get A Refund From An Airline If Your Flight Is Delayed, Cancelled Or Oversold

How To Get A Refund From An Airline If Your Flight Is Delayed, Cancelled Or Oversold

If like many of us you have suffered at the hands of airlines delaying their flights, don't despair, there is hope for those persistent ones among us! Most of us have been affected by this most frustrating problem at some point in our lives. Sadly most of us also give up trying to claim any refund at the first hurdle. Most call centers are great at denying any blame is the airline's, making the claim process long and arduous.

The simple fact is if your flight is oversold, delayed or cancelled you are entitled to compensation. A staggering ?1.2billion goes unclaimed every year; it is hardly surprising the airlines will do all they can to hold on to this cash. If the airline is at fault, for example if the delay is caused by staffing or technical problems, then you're entitled to make a claim. European Law clearly states that a passenger is entitled to claim up to €600 (?514) for any flight which has been delayed longer than three hours. The compensation levels usually change depending on whether it is a short-haul or a long-haul flight, with the latter normally paying higher levels of compensation.

If a flight is cancelled or has a delay of longer than five hours, you are entitled to demand a full refund. These rules only apply to European airlines, or flights which started at a European destination. Sadly, you will not find compensation being offered freely, it's quite the contrary in fact. Airlines have a habit of making the claims process very hard in the hopes of putting people off continuing with their claim. You have rights! You must stand your ground and demand them, even if that means taking an airline to a small claims court. The chances of them turning up is slim: they will usually just pay up. If they claim the delay was due to bad weather or other factors out of their control, then demand proof. Conduct your own investigation; the Internet is an amazing, free resource that is always at your disposal.

So what can you do against these big airlines?

The brutal truth is if you don't ask you don't get. But don't despair too much, help is at hand if you feel you are being treated unfairly; simply contact a representative of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Their team of experts are on hand to assist consumers in any way they can. A spokesperson for the CAA states that over 40% of customers who were previously struggling to get a refund from the airlines have since won their case after the CAA became involved.

Responsibilities of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

The key responsibilities of the CAA is to ensure the safety of UK airspace and manage economic regulations at Stanstead, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. They also enforce protection rules for consumers with problems such as cancelled flights. Additionally, they manage the ATOL scheme for financial protection, which handles refunds and repatriates consumers when travel plans fail. Their service is free, so if you are struggling to get a refund it's well worth giving them a call to see what you are entitled to. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Money Saving Spy specialises in helping UK consumers save their hard earned cash. We write regular money saving blogs that are packed with common sense advice on how to save on everyday expenses. We published this article as lots of our members who come to us for British Airways Promotional Codes keep asking us about this common problem. I hope this helps your readers too, please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.