Delayed or cancelled flights happen : here is what you can claim (refund, compensation) if one of those two scenarios happen.

Flight Delays (US rules)

A flight delayed, that happens a lot. All the time. Weather condition, a passenger that is late, the pilot who lost or forgot his passport (don’t believe it ? That happened to me in Canada, true story), or a problem with the plane… Anything can happen. But what can be done when this happens ? Well, not much. The US Department of Transportation is pretty clear about that.

“There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed.  Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers.  If your flight is experiencing a long delay, ask airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.  While some airlines offer these amenities to passengers, others do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers”, says the US government.

Airlines are required to provide passengers with information about a change in the status of the flight if the flight is scheduled to depart within 7 days.  Airlines are required to give these status updates 30 minutes (or sooner) after the airline becomes aware of a status change. The flight status information must, at a minimum, be provided on the airline’s website and via the airline’s telephone reservation system. Also, when a flight is delayed for 30 minutes or more, the airline must update all flight status displays and other sources of flight information at U.S. airports that are under the airline’s control within 30 minutes after the airline becomes aware of the problem.

When a flight delay unexpectedly becomes longer and longer, this is called a “creeping delay.”  During “creeping delays,” unexpected developments can cause a delay to be longer than anticipated.  For example, weather that was supposed to improve can instead become worse, or a mechanical problem can turn out to be more complex than the airline originally thought.

How to switch flight ?

If your flight is delayed, you can try to arrange another flight on your airline.  It is sometimes easier to make such arrangements by calling the airline, through the airline’s website or mobile application, or via social media.  Before you decide to switch flights, check if the airline will charge you a fee and/or a higher fare for changing your reservation. If you find a flight with an available seat on another airline, you can ask the first airline to transfer your ticket to the alternative airline – this practice could save you money by avoiding a fare increase.  However, there are no federal regulations requiring airlines to put you on another airline’s flight or reimburse you if you purchase a ticket on another airline.  Also, keep in mind that changing flights and airlines becomes more difficult and time consuming if you have checked bags.

Flight Delayed : Can i ask for a refund ?

In some situations, you may be entitled to a refund, including a refund for all optional fees associated with the purchase of your ticket (such as baggage fees, seat upgrades, etc.). DOT has not specifically defined “significant delay.”  Whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors – such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances.  DOT determines whether you are entitled to a refund on a case by case basis.

Flight Cancelation (US Rules)

If your flight is cancelled, most airlines will rebook you for free on their next flight to your destination as long as the flight has available seats. If your flight is cancelled and you choose to cancel your trip as a result, you are entitled to a refund for the unused transportation – even for non-refundable tickets.  You are also entitled to a refund for any bag fee that you paid, and any extras you may have purchased, such as a seat assignment.   If the airline offers you a voucher for future travel instead of a refund, you should ask the airline about any restrictions that may apply, such as blackout and expiration dates, advanced booking requirements, and limits on number of seats.

Can i ask to be put on another airline’s flight ?

Yes.  While airlines are not required to put you on another airline’s flight, they can and sometimes do, so it does not hurt to politely ask your airline if it will transfer your ticket to another airline that has a flight with available seats.  Ask the airline or check online to see if another carrier has open seats and then ask if the first airline will transfer your ticket to that carrier.  Remember, however, that airlines are not required to do this.  Also, be aware that finding available seats on another airline’s flight may be difficult, especially during holidays and other peak travel times.

Delayed flight: what compensation? (UE Rules)

The European regulation applies.

To all passengers departing from a country of the European Union, Iceland, Norway (or Switzerland);
To all passengers arriving from a country of the European Union, Iceland, Norway (or Switzerland) if the airline is European.

Your plane is delayed if you reach your destination at least 3 hours later than the original scheduled time. You are entitled to compensation, according to the UE.

The compensation due in case of delay depends on the distance of the flight. It is:

250€ for flights up to 1500 kilometers,
400€ for flights between 1500 and 3500 km,
600€ beyond 3500 km, provided that you are at least 4 hours late (300 € for a delay between 3 and 4 hours).

This compensation is not due if:

You were informed of the delay of your flight at least 2 weeks before departure;
the company proves that the cancellation is due to exceptional circumstances (extraordinary events such as volcanic eruption, floods, civil war, earthquake…)
This compensation is not due if:
You were informed of the delay of your flight at least 2 weeks before departure;
the company proves that the cancellation is due to exceptional circumstances (extraordinary events such as volcanic eruption, floods, civil war, earthquake…)

Good to know: The delay is calculated at the arrival and not at the departure of the plane. The arrival time of a plane is defined by the opening of at least one of these doors.

Your other rights in case of a flight delay

If your flight departs several hours late, you are entitled to free drinks and meals at the airport of departure, offered by your carrier, as well as two telephone calls, two faxes or two e-mails.

If the delay is so severe that your flight does not leave until the next day, you are also entitled to accommodation and transportation between the airport and the accommodation.

This assistance depends on the waiting time and to the flight distance. It is due if your flight takes off with a delay of more than:

2 hours for flights up to 1500 km,
3 hours for flights in the European Union of more than 1500 km and for all other flights between 1500 et 3500 km,
4 hours for flights of more than 3500 km.

For delays of 5 hours or more at departure, you have the choice between:

Continue your trip,
Postpone it,
Renounce it and get a refund of the tickets for the part(s) of your trip not taken and for the part(s) of your trip already taken and no longer needed (e.g., flight delay on departure of a connecting flight, return paid for by the company).

Cancelled flight: request reimbursement and compensation (UE Rules)

If your flight departs several hours late, you are entitled to free drinks and meals at the airport of departure, offered by your carrier, as well as two telephone calls, two faxes or two e-mails.

You are also entitled to choose between the refund of your ticket or another flight to your final destination in similar transport conditions.

Then, you are entitled to a compensation of:

250€ for flights up to 1500 kilometers,
400€ for flights between 1500 and 3500 km,
600€ beyond 3500 km, provided that you are at least 4 hours late (300 € for a delay between 3 and 4 hours).

This compensation is not due if:

You have been informed of the cancellation of your flight at least 2 weeks before the departure
The departure of the alternative flight is less than 2 hours earlier or the arrival is delayed by less than 4 hours;
The airline proves that the cancellation is due to exceptional circumstances (extraordinary events such as volcanic eruption, floods, civil wars, earthquake…)

What exceptional circumstances are not eligible for compensation?

If the airline proves that the flight cancellation or delay is due to unavoidable extraordinary circumstances, it is not be required to pay the expected compensation. The European regulation 261/2004 does not give examples but indicates that “extraordinary circumstances” occur when air traffic is disrupted “although all reasonable measures have been taken by the air carrier in order to avoid delays and cancellations.”

Specific situations constitute to an undeniable way exceptional circumstances justifying flight cancellation: the eruption of a volcano blocking air traffic, a heavy snowfall, a storm, a cyclone, an earthquake, an act of terrorism…

However, some of reasons for flight cancellations cited by the airline can be discussed.

This is the case of the staff strike of the airline, for example. As the airline is usually informed of the strike by its staff, we consider in France that it could in principle take measures to avoid flight cancellations. By contrast, when it is about the airport staff strike, air traffic controllers for example, this fact comes from outside the airline, which cannot avoid it. Flight cancellations in these circumstances will not be able in principle lead to a compensation.

Overbooking, denied boarding: what are your rights?

You may be denied boarding if the airline has sold more tickets than available seats: then you are victim of denied boarding because of overbooking.

In this case, the airline must first call on volunteers. Then, it must call on passengers if they accept to delay their flight. If you are volunteer, you are entitled:

To the reimbursement of your ticket, and if necessary, take the responsibility for the return flight to your departure airport;
To meals and drinks by waiting the alternative flight;
To the payment of a compensation negotiated with the airline
If you are not volunteer and that you are denied boarding OR that you are victim of an unjustified denied boarding (example: the flight attendant tells you that you do not have not the required identity papers while you have all the necessary documents and the plane takes off during the time of this verification), you are entitled:

To choose between an alternative flight to your final destination and the refund of your ticket, and if necessary a return flight to your departure airport;
To meals, drinks, two phone calls, two faxes, or two emails, and if needed an accommodation and the transport between the airport and the accommodation;
To the payment of compensation of:
250€ for flights up to 1500 kilometers,
400€ for flights between 1500 and 3500 km,
600€ beyond 3500 km, provided that you are at least 4 hours late (300 € for a delay between 3 and 4 hours).

Claiming with an airline: procedures and form

If you have been victim of cancellation or flight delay, here are the procedures to follow to assert your rights.

At the airport, require written confirmation of the cancellation, the flight delay, or the denied boarding by the ground staff of the responsible airline, if possible specifying circumstances. If the employee refuses to issue this document, take photos of the notice board and ask other passengers in writing for testimonials.
Keep all your receipts of payment (hotel, taxi, meal) by waiting your flight.
Contact the airline: contact the actual carrier, it means the one who was to concretely carry out the flight. This may be a different company from the one that sold the flight. On your reservation, check the mention “operated by”.

In the case of travel with several successive airlines, you will have to backfire on the carrier that made the journey during which the incident took place, unless one of the companies has contacted you to declare itself responsible for the entire journey.

Use the online form of your airline. Once completed online, take a screenshot to keep a proof of your procedure.
If your procedure failed at the end of 6 weeks and if you have a litigation with an airline based in a European country, United Kingdom, Iceland or Norway, contact the European Consumer Centre of your home country for free!
You lives in France and you have a litigation with a French airline, contact a French consumer association.

You may also consider a mediation procedure

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Flying for the first time can be scary : here is what to expect and what to do when you are at the airport. Don’t worry, everything is going to be fine with our tips.

Before the Flight

Check-in

The first step, when you decide on the destination, is to book a flight. When that is done, you will likely have to check in online. Don’t forget to do that, it’s an important part of flying nowadays. It will save you time and stress when at the airport, believe me. Plus, some airlines don’t offer Airport check in easily anymore. The benefit of online check in is that you will be able to choose your seat. For first time flyers, we recommend choosing a seat above the wings. You feel turbulence way less above those two big things that maintain the plane in the sky (what is Turbulence ? Here is our explanation)

Documents

Make sure you have all your documents ready updated. You need a passport, first, but depending on the destination, you might also need a visa. Those documents sometimes take time to obtain, so make sure to check for visas as soon as you have chosen your destination. Other documents that we recommend taking as both paper and digital formats are boarding passes, hotel infos, a map of the City you’re going to. Bring some cash too, but not too much. Just enough for emergencies if you happen to lose your credit car.

Travel insurance

Book your travel insurance before you go. Make sure to read all the options you have at your disposal. Make a list of local emergency numbers. Let me remind you that credit cards also have insurance if you have booked your trip with it. It won’t cover everything, so make sure to check the conditions, but it can help in case of an injury.

Luggage

Don’t just overpack. It’s not necessary to bring too many clothes when you travel (here is our guide). Bring some clothes for the plane, something comfy. And carry-on must be light too.

Hand luggage and Check-in bags

Be Careful about the two. Carry on bags have a limits both in size and weight. I always recommend a backpack for holiday travelers, as it’s easier to carry around the airport, compared to those small lugagge with wheels. You are not a businessman, or a flight attendants. Plus, it will help your back be stronger…

Airlines also have rules for Check-in bags. Maybe they are not even included in your tickets bundle. So make sure to check that beforehand. Size, weight also need your attention. And also, what’s inside. There are many things you can’t bring on a plane.

Airport security

This is ooooh scary… The first time. And bit too every time i Go through security. Even though i know i have done nothing wrong, there is always that little thrill that the TSA agent may find something forbidden in your bags. It happens to most passengers, that little fear. So don’t worry too much. Everyone is stressed. Study recommend going left to go through security, if you can, those lines are generally faster.

As for the security itself : liquids, medication, sharp objects, electrical items, laptops, everything will be examined. You will need to put your laptop and smartphone separately from your bag. And too show passport and Boarding Pass. Obviously. Don’t be afraid by staring look of the TSA agent, it’s their job to be scary ! Just wait, listen and follow the rules and you will be fine. You will have to remove your shoes too and maybe go through a body scan after the metal detector, or even an additional search. Don’t be annoyed by this. They do it at random.

After security

You made it. You’re in the Duty Free Zone. Keep your passport, boarding pass and bags within reach at all times. Keep on eye on it. And don’t buy too much alcohol, this will raise a red flag within the plane. Flight attendants will be warned how much you bought.

Boarding the plane

If that’s your first time flying, don’t be fooled by the queue. You just don’t need to queue. Some people want to be first on the plane for obscure reasons, but i recommended boarding as last as possible. You ill likely spend more than 5 hours in this thing, there is no rush. No one will take your seat unless it’s a flight with no reservation. Some airlines board passengers row by row. Simply wait for your number to be called, wait a bit for people that are in a rush and then go. I always board among the last passengers.

Finding the seat

Flight attendants are here to help you. Show your ticket and they will indicate the way to your seat. There’s two rows at most on big planes, so you will be asked to follow one row or the other. Your seat number most likely has a letter and a number (12B for instance). 12 here is the row number, and then the letter is the seat itself : aisle, middle or window. You then have to put your luggage in the overhead compartment above your seat. If you have a smaller backpack, you can put in under the seat in front of you. But i always recommend taking essentials from your bag and then putting it in the overhead compartment. you will have more leg room and will feel more comfortable during the flight.

Take Off

Make sure to follow closely the safety procedures from flight attendants just before take off. Ok the first time, it’s a bit scary. I won’t lie. t moves in every direction and then suddenly you feel the plane taking off the ground and up in the air. It can be magical too if you are seating in the window seat. I always look out to see what’s happening. It’s pretty calming, let me tell you. It feels way less chaotic that just staring at the seat in front of you.  Then, when the plane reaches its altitude, the plane tends to “calm down” and you can relax.

The flight

This is the time to enjoy yourself. Take some drinks (but choose wisely), read, play, watch movies or Tv shows. There’s plenty to do during a flight. Again, i recommend looking out the window as often as you can. It’s very peaceful in the sky. With music in your ears, it can be heaven. Watching the sun set or rise, the blue sky… It’s an amazing experience.

Airplane Ear

You might feel like your ears are going to explode. But don’t worry, this is perfectly normal. Some people will feel it more than others. It’s a change of pressure. What you can do to make it pass is yawn, swallow a few times or close your nose your fingers and then blow with your mouth closed. It will likely help get the pressure of. Do that again after landing.

Landing

Same as take off, it can be a bit scary. On long flight, the procedure can last up to one hour. Stay calm and follow indications from flights attendants.

After Landing

That’s it ! You made it ! Your first flight, see that was so scary. You will then be directed to security, so take your passport and boarding pass again. When coming back to the US, this procedure can last a long time. Sometimes even 2 hours. Be patient.

Don’t forget your checked in luggage

You will then have to get your checked in luggage. It’s the funny part, when everyone is waiting around those baggage carousel. Sometimes it can bit a bit of war, let me tell you. People going in front of you, hurting or hitting you with their luggage… Stay calm and wait for your luggage, it will come.

Lost Luggage

But what if it doesn’t ? Sometimes, luggages are lost or simply put… in another plane. You will then have to file a complaint. There is usually a desk at the airport for lost luggage. Be sure to have your receipt with you.

Other Useful Tips

How to Pack Light for Traveling The best Tips to find cheap flights Clothes, Documents, Toiletries, Medication : The Packing List for Smart Travelers Business Travel Tips from Frequent Travelers Airline Carry-on Luggage Restrictions: the best guide How to Prepare for a Long Trip : Tips from Doctors How to Choose the Best Seat On a Plane ? Christmas Under The Sun : Where to Fly To ? Travel During Pregancy : What You Need to Know Can You Bring (and Drink) Alcohol On A Plane ? What you should do Before, During and After Flying to Stay Healthy Eco-Friendly Trip : How to Travel and Save the Planet How to sleep (well) on a plane ? Flight Delays, Flight Cancelation : what to do, what compensation ? Flight delayed, long wait: what to do at the airport ?

Sleeping on a plane, mission impossible you say ? Here’s a few tips for a good night or day sleep in the air.

Sleeping on a plane. What a dumb idea. It’s never been done, no one has ever mastered the craft. Even after many hours in a plane, you can seem to find the good position to rest a bit. But there are solutions.

To sleep, let the noise out

Just like in your home, the noise is what is likely what is going to help you NOT get to sleep. Wear noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. There are a lot on market nowadays, and some are pretty good.

Your legs are important

According to science, crossing your legs will apply pressure to one side of your body. It can increase your chances of a blood clot on long flights. Keep both legs straight. Bend your knees a little. Don’t put your bags in the under seat area. Leave room for your legs, they need it.

Lean Backwards… but not too much

The passenger behind you probably won’t be happy, but science indicate that leaning back to a 135-degree angle is the safest sleep position. It’s going to produce less pressure on the body and decreases blood clot risks. Don’t lean your chair completely, half is probably enough.

No Alcohol or caffeine

Just drink Water or tomato juice on a plane. Generally, it’s recommended for a good plane trip, but also if you want to sleep. Just let your body go, either for a nap or a longer sleep. Coffee will wake up feeling dehydrated.

Mental images

Why not try and escape the plane… with your mind ? Close your eyes, and think of a place you like, where you feel comfortable and secure. The Beach, a prairie, a lake… anything can work. The brain has magical power and it can really help your body feel better in those situations.

Wear a light-blocking eye mask

Just like noise, light isn’t going to help you sleep. If closing your eyes is not enough, bring a sleeping mask to block out light. Usually, Flight attendants will close the light and ask for passengers to be calm during rest time, but it probably won’t be enough, with all the in flight entertainment, that produce a lot of light. So try those masks.

Blanket and socks

Anything to make you are in bed will help. Bed or flight socks can be very helpful. Your body will feel a bit warmer and help you get to sleep. It can be very cold in a plane when they turn off the lights. You can also bring your own little blanket. Something made of fleece. It will be light to carry but warm on you.

Try reading

Reading can be a good solution to help you get to sleep. Forget movies, video games or your smartphone. Your brain is on high alert. Reading has the ability to calm your brain, and therefore, your body.

Other Useful Tips

How to Pack Light for Traveling The best Tips to find cheap flights Clothes, Documents, Toiletries, Medication : The Packing List for Smart Travelers Business Travel Tips from Frequent Travelers Airline Carry-on Luggage Restrictions: the best guide How to Prepare for a Long Trip : Tips from Doctors How to Choose the Best Seat On a Plane ? Christmas Under The Sun : Where to Fly To ? Travel During Pregancy : What You Need to Know Can You Bring (and Drink) Alcohol On A Plane ? What you should do Before, During and After Flying to Stay Healthy Eco-Friendly Trip : How to Travel and Save the Planet First Time Flying on a Plane : What to Expect Flight Delays, Flight Cancelation : what to do, what compensation ? Flight delayed, long wait: what to do at the airport ?