How passengers hit by British Airways’ IT glitch can claim compensation
Thousands of British Airways passengers hit by the latest IT glitch are entitled to assistance and compensation, depending on the length of the flight and how long their journey was delayed.
Here are some of the key questions around the rules:
– What rules apply?
European Union law applies to flights either departing from an EU airport or those that are arriving at an EU airport and operated by an EU airline, such as British Airways.
– How long must a flight be delayed before an airline has to provide support?
The length of delay that leads to airlines being required to offer assistance ranges from two hours for short-haul flights to four hours for long-haul flights.
Read on...
Support us and go ad-free🔊British Airways passengersIf you’re 2+ hours late you’re entitled to:• 2 free phone calls/emails• Free meals & refreshments • Free hotel if an overnight stay is required
If you’re 3+ hours late you’re entitled to:• Compensation dependent on your flight distance+delay pic.twitter.com/o40gjBbfCa
— Which? (@WhichUK) August 7, 2019
– What care must be offered?
Airlines have to provide vouchers to buy a reasonable amount of food and drink, a means of communication (often by refunding the cost of telephone calls), and accommodation if a passenger is delayed overnight.
Sometimes airlines are unable to arrange care, particularly during major disruption. In this instance, passengers are advised to keep receipts and claim costs back later.
– What if a flight is cancelled?
Airlines have to offer full refunds or re-book passengers on to alternative flights.
– Can passengers claim compensation?
If a journey is delayed by more than three hours due to a factor within the airline’s control – such as technical faults or overbooking – there are fixed levels of compensation that can be claimed.
The amount ranges from 250 euros (£230) for short-haul flights delayed by at least three hours, to 600 euros (£553) for long-haul flights delayed by at least four hours.
– Does this mean travellers are guaranteed a payout every time there is disruption?
Any delays outside an airline’s control, such as bad weather or security alerts, are not liable for compensation.
– Is compensation automatic?
No, disrupted passengers must write a letter of complaint to the airline.
Support us and go ad-freeWe know everyone is suffering under the Tories - but the Canary is a vital weapon in our fight back, and we need your support
The Canary Workers’ Co-op knows life is hard. The Tories are waging a class war against us we’re all having to fight. But like trade unions and community organising, truly independent working-class media is a vital weapon in our armoury.
The Canary doesn’t have the budget of the corporate media. In fact, our income is over 1,000 times less than the Guardian’s. What we do have is a radical agenda that disrupts power and amplifies marginalised communities. But we can only do this with our readers’ support.
So please, help us continue to spread messages of resistance and hope. Even the smallest donation would mean the world to us.
-
Show Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to leave a comment.Join the conversationPlease read our comment moderation policy here.