Airport Chaos: 8 Facts For Claiming Your Flight Cancellation Compensation

When the holiday season rolled around in 2022, there were early reports of airport chaos, cancelled flights and airline issues, with warnings of it progressing through the year. As the main holiday season approached, these warnings materialised and became a reality for thousands of holiday-makers across the UK.

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a sign of these issues being resolved, so knowing the details behind flight cancellation insurance and flight cancellation compensation is more important than ever.

Whether you’re about to jet off on a summer break trip, a gap year getaway or a quick city break, being in the know will help you to avoid financial losses and unnecessary stress.

MoneyBright has explained everything you need to know to be ready for anything on your next holiday in this article, including:

• Will travel insurance payout if your holiday is affected by airport chaos?
• Who is eligible for flight cancellation compensation?
• How do you claim compensation for cancelled flights?
• How much compensation can you receive?
• What are you entitled to if your flight is cancelled?
• When will flight cancellation compensation not apply?
• Is there a time limit on a claim?
• What happens to your holiday if your flight is cancelled?

Will Travel Insurance Pay Out If Your Holiday Is Affected By Airport Chaos?

Travel insurance companies aren’t always going to pay out if your holiday is affected by airport chaos. We recommend being as clued up on the details behind your travel insurance before you begin your journey.

However, before you get in touch with your travel insurance company, you will have to get in touch with the airline first. Insurance companies will need to see evidence that you have tried to get compensation from the airline directly before they take and process your claim.

Once you’ve tried this method, you’ll be able to claim back any accommodation, flights, other transport, delayed baggage and pre-paid elements for your holiday. But before you fly, triple-check that these elements are covered!

Who Is Eligible For Flight Cancellation Compensation?

The UK has a law that dictates who is eligible for flight cancellation compensation. So, you’re able to take full advantage of this protection if you are a holidaymaker in the UK or the EU with a confirmed reservation and have suffered one or more of the following:

• The airline gave the passenger less than two weeks of notice about a flight cancellation
• There was a delay of more than 2 or more hours
• Your airline didn’t provide food, drink, communication and accommodation during a delay
• The flight was cancelled due to ‘normal circumstances’ such as operational difficulties, as this does not qualify as the ‘extraordinary circumstances that the law requires for airlines to not have to pay compensation

The airport chaos that has been affecting the UK for many months in 2022 will mean that travellers will most likely fall under these specifications, as flights are cancelled mere hours before they’re due to depart.

How Do You Claim Compensation For Cancelled Flights?

Claiming compensation for cancelled flights is done on the airline’s website. You can either navigate their online services or call a customer service line to discuss your claim.

We highly recommend having every bit of information you have readily available to speed up the process, as it can be convoluted and stressful. If you’re having a hard time with the claim, don’t give up. Instead, you should get in touch with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who will be able to support you and your claim throughout the process.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

The amount of compensation you can claim depends on a variety of factors, including the distance of the journey and how long the flight was delayed. However, the compensation you’re entitled to could be halved if you’re offered a replacement flight that gets you to your destination at a similar time as your cancelled flight.

For flights under 1,500km, you’ll be entitled to £110 to £220. For flights between 1,500km to 3,500km will be from £175 to £350 and for flights over 3,500km will have a compensation rate from £260 to £520.

What Are You Entitled To If Your Flight Is Cancelled?

The UK law dictates that travellers are entitled to a full or partial refund of their original ticket and a return flight.

You’re also entitled to the earliest alternative of transport to your final destination, or a new ticket at a later date that you have chosen. In regards to compensation, you’re entitled to claim as much as £520.

When Will Flight Cancellation Compensation Not Apply?

Flight cancellation compensation isn’t always an option, and if you’re a traveller who’s experienced these issues, it’s important to know where you stand with compensation.

If the airline informed you two weeks before the departure date, then you’re not entitled to flight cancellation compensation. However, in extreme circumstances, airlines are entitled to cancel your flight without offering you compensation. This can include severe weather, medical emergencies or air traffic control restrictions.

Is There A Time Limit On A Claim?

There will be a time limit on a claim, but this will depend on the country and law you’d be claiming flight cancellation compensation under.

We recommend getting your flight cancellation claim sent in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and long waits for your money to be returned to you.

What Happens To Your Holiday If Your Flight Is Cancelled?

You’re entitled to flight cancellation compensation if your flight is cancelled, but if you have pre-paid elements to your holiday such as accommodation, excursions and transport.

Luckily, you’re entitled to additional rights, and you can actually claim compensation on these lost holidays with some travel insurance companies that will cover up to a specific amount. It’s important to double-check your policies before booking your holiday if you’re concerned about this, however, it’s an additional cost to your policy.

If you’re flying with an airline that is renowned for cancellations, or if you’re travelling a far distance so a cancellation would impact the length of your trip, we recommend considering adding holiday compensation coverage to your policy.

MoneyBright is here to help

Flight cancellations have ruined many people’s first trips away after two long years of a pandemic. Unfortunately, these cancellations and delays will impact travellers regardless of what is going on in the world, so it’s important to have the right advice and information on your side.

We know what we’re talking about and we have lots of advice and tips for holidaymakers. Whether you’re looking for travel advice, saving money tips and ways to make better personal finance decisions, we’ve got it covered. Check us out on TikTok too for quick and easy nuggets of information.