How can I claim compensation if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
HOLIDAYMAKERS travelling this summer will want to know their rights if their flight is delayed or cancelled.
It comes as UK airspace was hit by a technical fault, the country’s leading provider of air traffic control services confirmed.
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) experienced a “technical issue” and was forced to apply traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety.
While the issue itself has now been resolved, passengers face major delays at airports across the UK.
Here's what you need to do to get your money back if you are one of the many affected for flight delays or cancellations.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Can I get compensation if the airline has gone bust?
Your rights depend on whether or not you booked your flights through a site that is Atol protected.
Atol protection means that you're guaranteed a refund if a company goes into administration and an alternative route home will be found for you.
Your booking will be Atol protrected if you booked ta package holiday through a travel agent, booked flights directly through the airline.
If you booked through another company that isn't protected and paid with a credit card you may be able to claim through your provider under the section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
If this doesn't work then you’ll have to join the list of creditors who are owed cash and you're unlikely to get your money back.
It's important to check your rights before flying - as some instances will not be covered by the airline
Can I get a refund if my connecting flight is cancelled?
If you missed your connecting flight because your first flight was delayed, you are entitled to a flight back to your original departure point.
Once you decide to take a refund or to travel later than the first available flight, your airline has no obligation to provide you with food, drink or accommodation.
If you are on a package holiday and you decide not to travel on your outbound flight, you may lose your holiday too, we recommend you contact your package organiser or the airline for further information.
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
How can I find out if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
The best way to check if your flights are cancelled are to find to the website of the airport you are flying out of to find your flight number.