Waiting out a flight delay can get frustrating, especially when there’s nothing else to do but wait. However, you can always find something to fill up the extra time as you wait. The flight delay compensation is also something to look forward to, as it covers up for the inconvenience caused to you by the airline. In this article, we have highlighted some important things you can do at an airport while you wait out a flight delay.
1. Find Out the Cause of the Delay
If you find out that your flight has been delayed, the first thing you should do is find out WHY. Contact the airline or preferably, if you are already at the airport, walk to the front desk and ask. Common causes often include bad weather, knock-on effects from a previously delayed flight, bird strikes, late crews, waiting for connecting passengers, etc. If the cause of the delay was the airline’s fault, you may be entitled to some compensation. So, it’s always best to find out why and get the airline’s response in a written document.
2. Plan Your Trip Highlights
Since you are going to wait anyway, you might as well use that time for something productive. Start planning your trip highlights, so you can have an eventful and enjoyable trip. It’s easy to get frustrated from the delay at the airport but you want to ensure you still maintain positive energy towards your trip. In addition, you can also use that time to reply to some emails and catch up on some pending work.
3. Get Familiar with Your Rights as an Air Passenger
The EU 261/2004 regulation protects the rights of air passengers in the event of flight delays, flight cancellations, and denied boarding. Being aware of your rights makes it easy to kickstart the process of getting compensated. Under this law, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600. In addition, you may also be entitled to complimentary food and drinks and access to free hotel booking for an overnight stay at the airport. This law only applies if you’re flying from an airport in the EU or UK or landing in one, provided that the airline is headquartered in an EU member state.
4. Don’t Be Misled
Airlines often try to avoid spending so much to compensate affected passengers, even though it’s in the law. So, they might try as much as they can to offer you a different deal. Ensure you don’t sign any document without first understanding what it is about or what might be at stake, so you don’t mistakenly waive your rights. If possible, get your attorney involved before signing any document. Understanding your rights will help ensure you know what you deserve.
Bottom Line
You deserve to be compensated for any great inconvenience as a result of the airline’s negligence. Exercise your right under the law and help yourself to everything the law has made available for you. You can also hire an attorney or go through your travel agency, so you don’t make any mistakes.
The stunning mountains and lakes of Europe