So, the holiday season is over and hopefully we have all had
problem free journeys to some exciting destinations. However, if
things haven't gone quite according to plan, did you know you can now claim
on a cancelled or delayed flight or for being bumped off a flight?
Compensation for cancelled or delayed flights
is dependent on the reason for the cancellation or delay. If the
airline can prove that either was caused by ‘extraordinary
circumstances’, then no compensation is payable.
Extraordinary circumstances are situations beyond the control of the
airline, for example, security risk, political instability or severe
weather that makes flying dangerous. Strikes can also be included in
this category.
Technical issues can be 'extraordinary circumstances' but not where the
situation should have been picked up by routine maintenance.
It's worth challenging your airline if you don't agree that there were
extraordinary circumstances, for example if you are told you can't fly
due to weather conditions, but other flights are departing. Airlines
sometimes stretch the definition of extraordinary circumstances further
than they should.
If you still feel aggrieved by the airline, then you should write to the airline setting out your cancellation situation.
If this doesn’t get you any compensation you can take the complaint
further by writing to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or the European
Consumer Centre (ECC) and then if all else fails to the small claims
court.
If you need assistance with drafting these letters or if you have hit a
brick wall and need help taking your claim further, our claims experts
at the LawStore can help.
For as little as £30, we can draft an initial letter so you can claim up to £500.
For more information call us on 0845 603 6544 or email info@thelaw-store.co.uk
