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If you’ve ever had to deal with a flight cancellation or delay, you’ll know just how stressful it can be. But if you’re prepared, it can be a much easier situation to manage. And, did you know you might be able to claim compensation?

Here’s all you need to know about dealing with cancelled or delayed flights.

Knowing your passenger rights means you can be sure you’re being treated and compensated fairly.

If your flight departs from the UK or Europe, you’re covered under EU flight regulations. This means you might be entitled to financial compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled. Although we’re no longer part of the EU, the Government has protected this legislation by making it part of UK law.

Flying back into the UK or Europe on an international flight? As long as you’re flying with a UK or EU airline, you’ll still be covered.

If you’re flying to and from an international destination, what compensation you’re entitled to if your flight is cancelled or delayed will depend on the airline’s terms and conditions. Most airlines follow recommendations from the International Air Transport Association meaning they’ll usually offer a later flight or refund.

We’ve broken down the basics below, but for more information about your legal rights see the Civil Aviation Authority’s guide to dealing with flight disruption.

Often airlines overbook flights by selling more tickets than the seats they have available. This is common practice in the industry because they know people don’t always turn up for their flight.

When a flight is overbooked, the airline will first ask for volunteers to give up their seats. If you’re happy to give up your seat, you’ll be offered a refund for your ticket, or the option to be rerouted. You may also be able to agree on additional benefits with the airline.

If you want to continue your journey, you’re entitled to an alternative flight. Either to the same airport, or another in the region agreed by you with ongoing transport provided.

When a flight is overbooked but there aren’t enough volunteers to give up their seats, the airline will deny boarding to some passengers. In this case you’ll be entitled to overbooked flight compensation.

If you’re ‘bumped’ without volunteering, you’ll be offered an alternative flight or refund plus immediate financial compensation. Like with cancellations, flight compensation is based on the timings of the alternative flight offered by your airline.

The rules around missed flights and compensation depends on how you’ve booked your flights.

A number of high-profile airlines have gone into insolvency in recent years, including Thomas Cook in September 2019. It’s important to think about what would happen if your travel provider goes out of business and you’re left stranded abroad.

As well as having travel insurance in place, one of the main ways to ensure you’re protected is through ATOL – a financial protection scheme that protects most package holidays and some flight bookings sold in the UK.

When you book the following with an ATOL-protected travel company, you’ll be protected if any of the following goes wrong:

• Flight-inclusive packages with a tour operator, either directly or through a travel agent
• Flights, accommodation and car hire booked at the same time or on the next day with a travel company
• Flights booked with a travel company where you don’t get your tickets immediately

If your trip is ATOL-protected, make sure you get an ATOL certificate and that you take this with you on your trip.

Check out our most frequently asked questions about travel insurance. If you still need to talk to us, our friendly team will be happy to help.

Call 0345 305 2622.

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