Unfortunately, there are risks associated with travel, and they are most often associated with flight delays and cancellations. At the same time, not all airlines openly disclose what rights and privileges passengers in such situations have. Find out what bonuses you can expect and how to get compensation and reimbursement from the carrier

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Most often, people think of traveling with positive emotions, as it is associated with relaxation, meeting with family, or productive business negotiations. However, an integral part of traveling is the risks that airline representatives rarely talk about: possible delays or even flight cancellations. 

How big is this problem, what are the causes, and what should you do if your flight is delayed or canceled? We'll tell you below. 

How often does a flight get delayed or canceled? 

On average, about 20% of flights worldwide may experience some kind of delay. The good news is that most of these delays are short, averaging 17.3 minutes. However, there are cases when passengers have to wait much longer to board. 

Only 7% of flights are canceled. Airlines warn passengers about most schedule changes in advance. Only 1% of flights are canceled on short notice, during the day. 

Reasons for flight delays and cancellations

1. Air traffic congestion.

2. Failures in the work of airlines.  

3. Adverse weather conditions.

4. Collisions with birds. 

5. Late arrival of the aircraft to be used for the flight from the previous flight.

6. Strikes or staff shortages at the airport.

7. Waiting for passengers from a connecting flight or their luggage. 

8. Technical problems with the airplane.

9. Absence of key crew members or poor health of pilots. 

10. Insufficient number of passengers. 

However, it should be borne in mind that passengers can only expect compensation if the delay was caused by the airline. 

The cost of flight delays and cancellations for passengers

Delay or cancellation often creates many problems for passengers. In particular, the traveler spends extra money on food at the airport or buying drinks. If the wait becomes longer, tourists often rent a hotel room to rest. Some are forced to change the planned route and buy additional flowers. Not to mention that a flight delay or cancellation causes passengers to feel angry, frustrated, and even furious.  

A flight delay can be especially costly for business travelers as they miss scheduled meetings and are unable to fulfill their obligations.

Can I get compensation for a delayed or canceled flight? 

In the European Union, Regulation 261/2004 on flight compensation stipulates that flight delays of more than three hours, cancellations, and denied boarding entitle passengers to compensation of 250 to 600 euros per passenger from the airline and additional services (food, refreshments, calls, and a hotel if the delay means waiting overnight).

In the United States, the relevant draft law is still under development, so American airlines do not currently pay compensation. However, in the United States, they are provided by European carriers, whose work is regulated by Law 261.

In addition, compensation for passengers is provided for in Turkish, Israeli, Canadian, and Indian legislation.

How to get compensation for a delayed or canceled flight?

Almost 98% of companies reimburse or provide certain privileges in case of flight delays or cancellations. However, the procedure for obtaining compensation is quite complicated. There are cases when the compensation process can take more than 2 years. In such cases, passengers often lose the desire to claim compensation or simply forget about the claim. 

Therefore, in order to increase their chances of receiving financial compensation, knowledgeable travelers turn to special companies that specialize in communication with air carriers. One of the most experienced mediators is Skycop. 

How does it work?  When a flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked, a passenger can contact the company, and it will do everything it can to ensure that the person receives a refund.  The main advantage is that you do not need to pay anything in advance, the intermediary companies take a commission only if the airline agrees to the refund. If the airline refuses to compensate the passenger for damages, then the service (negotiations with the carrier, etc.) will be free for you.

Now that you have become more aware of the possible risks that occur when flying and ways to combat them, your travels will be safer and more comfortable. 

We wish you a good trip!

Photo: Jim Vondruska/Reuters

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