Requesting Compensation for Consecutive Flight Cancellations

If you've faced the frustration of having your flights canceled for two days in a row, you have a valid claim for compensation. This article will guide you through the process, from understanding airline policies to receiving rightful compensation.

Understand Your Rights and Compensation Policies

When a flight is canceled, the airline is typically obligated to provide certain services or compensation, depending on the reason for the cancellation and the location of the flight. For flights originated in the European Union (EU), the Flight Compensation Directive offers a structured framework for compensation. However, other regions also have regulations regarding compensation.

Check the airline's terms and conditions to understand their specific policies. Ensure you're aware of the conditions required to receive compensation, such as the reasons for the cancellation and the maximum compensation available.

Reasons for Cancellation and Their Impact on Compensation

The reasons for cancellation play a critical role in determining your eligibility for compensation. Here are common reasons and their impact:

Controllable Factors: Such as mechanical issues, staffing problems, or internal maintenance. These are likely to result in compensation as airlines are responsible for addressing these issues. Uncontrollable Factors: These include weather conditions, natural disasters, or unexpected events. In such cases, airlines may not be obligated to compensate unless they caused additional delays or disruptions beyond what is considered normal.

Document Everything

Proper documentation is essential to support your compensation claim. Keep a record of all relevant information, including:

Your flight details and confirmation numbers Notice of cancellation from the airline Communication with the airline, including emails and call transcripts Receipts for any additional expenses incurred due to the cancellation (e.g., hotels, food, transportation)

Maintain a comprehensive record of all interactions with the airline, including dates, times, and names of the individuals you spoke with.

Know Your Rights and Regulations

Passengers in the EU have specific rights if their flight is canceled. Under the EU Flight Compensation Directive, passengers on flights from an EU airport, to an EU airport, or to a non-EU airport are entitled to compensation if their flight is canceled. The compensation depends on the length of the delay:

2 hours to under 5 hours: No compensation (though there may be alternatives) 5 to 6 hours: €250 (±10% deviation) 6 hours to under 12 hours: €400 (±10% deviation) 12 hours: €600 per passenger (±10% deviation)

Outside the EU, check the airline's policy and local regulations, as the legal framework may differ.

Contact the Airline and Be Persistent

Once you have collected all necessary documentation and familiarized yourself with the airline's policies, it's time to contact the airline:

Reach Out: Initiate a formal request for compensation by contacting the airline's customer service. Communicate your situation clearly and state what you are seeking (e.g., refund, travel vouchers). To Be Persistent: If your initial request is denied, do not give up. Follow up promptly and escalate the issue to higher management if necessary. In many cases, persistence can lead to a favorable resolution.

Real-Life Example of Claiming Compensation

A recent example illustrates the importance of claiming compensation:

Mark and his friends booked flights with American Airlines from Frankfurt, Germany, to Charlotte, NC, with a connecting flight to Fort Myers, Florida. The first day, their flight was canceled due to an unforeseen lack of hotel availability. After a six-hour wait, they were told that the next day's flight was canceled due to mechanical issues. This time, the problem could not be resolved, and the airline did not reschedule the flight, leaving passengers to figure out their own travel arrangements.

Mark and his friends reached out to American Airlines' customer service for compensation. Based on the EU Flight Compensation Directive, they were entitled to 600 Euros per person due to the second cancellation. They successfully received 2400 Euros in total. Additionally, the airline reimbursed their hotel, food, and transportation expenses but refused to cover the 5000 Euro they spent on returning home with another airline, arguing that they had been offered a return flight on American.

Conclusion: The case highlights the importance of claiming compensation and keeping thorough records of expenses. Airlines often try to push back and offer miles or vouchers instead of cash. Ensure you have receipts for all purchases and persist in your requests for compensation.

Final Thoughts

Being proactive and persistent can significantly increase your chances of receiving compensation for consecutive flight cancellations. Keep detailed records, familiarize yourself with airline policies and relevant regulations, and contact the airline promptly to initiate the claim process. Remember, the airline will likely push back and try to delay or offer a less desirable alternative. However, by following these steps, you can ensure you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve.