Flight delay & cancellation: When you can’t claim compensation

The monsoon has us all locked down in our homes. The situation in Mumbai makes it pretty evident that how badly our lives get affected in the rainy season. Heavy rains are another hell for travellers. 

You know that you have rights as a passenger. These passenger rights come into play when an airline falters. But, there are instances when one can’t claim compensation from an airline owing to flight delay or cancellation.

Simply put – not every delay or cancellation is the airline’s fault. Hence, they are not liable to compensate you!

If the delay or cancellation was caused due to events beyond the control of the airlines, you can’t claim compensation.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has laid down rules & regulations which protect the interests of the passengers as well as the airlines.

You can’t claim flight delay compensation under extraordinary circumstances

No passenger is eligible for compensation under extraordinary circumstances as they are not in control of the airlines. They include – 

• Major security risks, terror attacks
• Political unrest, riots
• Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes
• Strikes and labour disputes
• Meteorological conditions
• Cancellations and delays due to Air Traffic Control (ATC)
• Slowdown or interruption of work or any other causes that are beyond the control of the airlines

When Indigo Airlines failed to operate in Mumbai due to monsoon and subsequent waterlogging, everyone wanted a refund. The airline left people stranded on the tarmac- which was utterly wrong. However, the cause of delay was something beyond their control. The flight staff couldn’t reach the airport on time due to the traffic jam- caused by the rains. While Indigo failed at hospitality, legally, they’re not bound to offer a refund!

You claim flight delay compensation if you were at fault

The airline is under no obligation to compensate you if you missed your flight due to your own fault- arrived late at the airport, got stuck in traffic, mixed-up flight schedule or simply lost track of time!

We understand that hindrance in your travel plans can never be a pleasant experience. But if you have too much time to kill before your flight, here is a list of things to do at the airport.

Want to become an aware consumer? Read all about how to claim flight delay and cancellation compensations.

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