FAQ Friday: Solving those ‘flight plight’ rights!
April 12, 2024
The summer travel season kicks off in a matter of weeks. Many of you likely booked your trip some time ago and are eagerly awaiting a hard-earned break. But what if something goes amiss with your flight and you’re left unclear where you stand?
We’ve lined up a sample of queries we regularly get, together with advice piloting you in the right direction!
Q. I returned home recently from a mini break to Barcelona. My flight out got delayed by 5 hours. It was only a short break and we lost a lot of time, can I claim back any compensation?
The airline must provide you with care and assistance, depending on the length of the delay. This can include meals, refreshments, phone calls or overnight accommodation and airport transport, depending on the length of the delay. Find out about the amounts of compensation payable on the IAA website.
As this flight got held up for 5 hours and Barcelona is considered a medium haul journey (more than 1500 kms), you are entitled to claim for compensation. If the airline disputes this, you should refer the matter to the relevant national enforcement body.
Had the flight been delayed due to extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather conditions, you would not be entitled to compensation.
Top Tip
If the airline leaves you to fend for yourself during a delay, keep all your receipts so you claim back any expenses you’re entitled to..
Q. I’m flying to Croatia in 3 weeks’ time but the airline has cancelled my flight. I just found out this morning when they notified me by email. What rights do I have?
If your airline cancels your flight, they must offer you the choice between:
- re-routing as close as possible to the original departure time
- re-routing at a later date
- a refund
If the flight gets cancelled within 14 days of your departure date, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation depends on when they notified you.
In this case you’ve been given more than 2 weeks’ notice. This means you will not receive any compensation but you are fully entitled to the cancellation options outlined. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) provide information on flight cancellations and compensation.
Q. On a recent short haul flight, my wife and I got to the gate only to be told our flight was overbooked. We were both denied boarding on this basis. Do we have any rights?
If a flight gets overbooked and passengers do not volunteer to give up their seat, your air carrier must offer you an alternative flight as soon as possible, a flight at a later date of your choice or a full refund.
Along with the right to care and assistance, you each have the right to financial compensation.
Learn your consumer rights in our travel hub.
Return to News