What you should know if your flight is canceled and what your rights are as a passenger.
The ongoing hostilities between US-Israel and Iran have created chaos in air traffic. Flight disruptions are continuous, leaving thousands of travelers facing uncertainty.
Chris Harrington, CEO of hoppa, told Express four key things it is helpful to know if your flight is cancelled, along with information regarding the possibility of compensation.
The first is fairly common sense, as you should contact the airline immediately. If you see the cancellation status and are already at the airport, head to the service desk or try the airline app for phone contact in case of crowding.
The second is to consider the alternatives the airline should inform you about. A flight to a nearby airport, a different routing or rebooking on a later flight could be among them. The airline could even book you with a different carrier if you ask.
It is important to check what your travel insurance includes in such cases. Some policies cover stays in a hotel, transfers to and from the airport, alternative flights, meal expenses, and possibly some vouchers for accommodation or food.
Lastly, and just as important, is to get informed about your rights as a passenger. If the cancellation is due to the fault of the airline, you may be entitled to compensation. According to ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), if the flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, the passenger may be entitled to compensation, depending on the length of the journey.
However, when the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances outside the control of the airline -such as armed conflict- compensation usually does not apply.
Nevertheless, passengers are still entitled to:
- Refund or rebooking
- Care and assistance (meals)
- Accommodation, if an overnight stay is required
Source: Reader.gr
