When a trip doesn’t go as planned, it’s normal to have questions about refunds, compensation, airport assistance and your rights towards the airline. Travelers often wonder what happens in case of a delayed flight, cancelled flight, missed connection, overbooking, denied boarding or airline strike. In this article you’ll find a collection of the most frequently asked questions, with clear answers and useful links to explore each situation in more detail.
If you’ve experienced a disruption, knowing your rights is the first step to understanding whether you can obtain assistance, a ticket refund or financial compensation. In many cases, passengers give up what they are entitled to simply because they are not aware of the rules that apply to their flight.
Frequently asked questions about delays, cancellations and flight compensation
1- What are my rights if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed, you may be entitled to assistance from the airline, such as meals, drinks, communication and, in longer cases, even hotel accommodation and transfers. If the arrival delay exceeds certain thresholds and is not due to extraordinary circumstances, you may also be entitled to financial compensation. For more details, you can read the page dedicated to compensation for delayed flights.
2- After how many hours of delay can I claim compensation?
In general, the right to financial compensation applies when the passenger arrives at the final destination with at least three hours of delay. However, eligibility also depends on the cause of the disruption and the regulations applicable to the flight. If you want to explore this further, you can consult the guide on delayed flights.
3- How much can I get for a delayed flight?
The amount of compensation may vary depending on the flight distance and the specific circumstances. In many situations, compensation can reach up to £520 per passenger. The amount does not depend on the ticket price, but on the criteria set by the applicable regulation. More details are available on the page dedicated to compensation for delayed flights.
4- What happens if my flight is cancelled?
When a flight is cancelled, the passenger may be entitled to an alternative flight or a ticket refund. In some cases, additional financial compensation may also be due if the cancellation is not caused by extraordinary circumstances. You can find more information on the page about compensation for cancelled flights.
5- Am I entitled to a refund if my flight is cancelled?
Yes, in many cases the passenger is entitled to a ticket refund if the flight is cancelled and they choose not to accept an alternative offered by the airline. Depending on the specific situation, the passenger may also be entitled to assistance and financial compensation. You can find more information here: cancelled flight.
6- Can I get compensation if I miss a connection?
Yes, in some cases it is possible to receive compensation for a missed connection, especially when the flights are part of the same booking and the delay results in an arrival at the final destination with more than three hours of delay. This is a situation that requires specific verification. For more details, visit the page on compensation for missed flight connections.
7- What does overbooking mean?
Overbooking occurs when an airline sells more tickets than the actual available seats on a flight. If there are not enough seats at boarding time, some passengers may be denied boarding even if they have a confirmed reservation. In these cases, specific rights may apply, as explained on the page dedicated to compensation for overbooking.
8- If I am denied boarding, am I entitled to compensation?
In many cases, yes. If you have a confirmed booking, arrive on time for check-in and are denied boarding against your will, you may be entitled to financial compensation, as well as assistance and, in some situations, an alternative solution or a refund. For more details, see the page on compensation for denied boarding.
9- What is the difference between overbooking and denied boarding?
Overbooking is one of the most common causes of denied boarding, but the two concepts are not always the same. Overbooking refers to the overselling of seats; denied boarding is the consequence experienced by the passenger who is not allowed to board. To better understand both situations, you can consult both the page on overbooking and the one on denied boarding.
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How can I get my compensation?
Here's how to do it in 3 simple steps:
1
Send the claim request
It only takes 1 minute to discover the amount of your compensation.
2
We work for your rights
Our legal team will collaborate with the airlines and authorities regarding your case.
3
Receive your compensation
As soon as we win the lawsuit, you will receive the money in your bank account
10- Can I get compensation in case of an airline strike?
It depends on the type of strike and its origin. In some cases, passengers may be entitled to compensation, while in others the strike may be considered an extraordinary circumstance that excludes financial compensation. The assessment depends on the airline involved, the staff on strike and the specific flight. You can find more details on the page about compensation for airline strikes.
11- Does bad weather entitle me to compensation?
Generally, no. Adverse weather conditions are often considered extraordinary circumstances and may exclude the right to financial compensation. However, even in these cases, the airline may still be required to provide assistance to passengers, such as meals, information and, if necessary, accommodation.
12- What documents should I keep in case of a flight disruption?
It is always advisable to keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, airline emails, receipts for expenses incurred, any vouchers received at the airport and any useful proof of the delay or cancellation. These documents are essential for submitting a refund or compensation claim.
13- How can I submit a compensation claim?
The claim can be submitted directly to the airline or through a specialized service like ReFly, which helps passengers assess their case and manage the process. If you want a complete overview of passenger protections, you can start from the page on air passenger rights.
14- How long does it take to receive compensation?
Timing may vary depending on the airline, the complexity of the case and whether further checks are required. Some claims are resolved quickly, while others take longer, especially if the airline disputes the claim or does not respond promptly.
15- What should I do if the airline rejects my claim?
If the airline rejects your claim, it’s important to verify whether the reason for the rejection is actually valid. In some cases, claims are rejected even when passengers are entitled to compensation. For this reason, it can be helpful to have your case reviewed by a specialized service before giving up. Very often airlines rely on weak or unjustified excuses. You can find a list of the most common ones in this blog article: The most common excuses used by airlines.
How much is the compensation?
£220
The £220 compensation for a delayed flight specifically applies to flights of less than 1500 km.
£350
The £350 compensation for a delayed flight applies to flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
£520
The £520 compensation for a delayed flight applies to flights over 3500 km.
16- Does the type of ticket affect the right to compensation?
No, in most cases the right to compensation does not depend on the type of ticket purchased. Even passengers traveling with low-cost or promotional fares may be entitled to compensation, provided that the required conditions are met and the booking is valid.
17- Can I get compensation for an international flight?
Yes, in many cases international flights may also fall under applicable regulations, especially if they depart from an EU airport or are operated by an EU airline in certain situations. Eligibility depends on the route and the carrier involved.
18- Can ReFly help me understand if I am entitled to a refund or compensation?
Yes. If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies for compensation, you can start from the overview on air passenger rights or go directly to the page dedicated to your specific situation. ReFly supports passengers in assessing their case and managing the claim with the airline.
Quick FAQ on air passenger rights
In general, when the arrival delay is at least three hours and is not caused by extraordinary circumstances.
In many cases, compensation can reach up to £520 per passenger, depending on the flight distance and the specific situation.
Yes, in some cases, especially if all flights are part of the same booking and the final delay exceeds three hours.
Generally no, as bad weather is often considered an extraordinary circumstance, but the airline must still provide assistance.
Boarding pass, booking confirmation, airline communications and receipts for expenses are the most important documents to keep.
No, in general the right to compensation does not depend on the fare purchased, but on the requirements set by the applicable regulation.
If you didn't find the answers you were looking for, contact us!
ReFly operates in accordance with regulations
related to passenger rights
Only a few air travelers are aware of their rights, and many of them lack the legal understanding necessary to claim compensation for flight delays. Even if they are aware of their rights, the process of requesting compensation from airlines can be challenging.
