Cancelled flight? Know your rights

Friday, 14 February 2020 00:00

A cancelled flight, whether due to bad weather or a fault with the plane, can set your holiday off to a bad start. To make the most of a bad situation, it’s important to understand your rights to avoid any extra financial costs and whether you could be due any compensation.

For flights with most airlines you will be covered under Under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EU261 or UK261).

However, for Blue Island travellers from Jersey, this law does not apply. Unlike travellers departing from the UK or the European Union, Islanders are not currently protected by regulations like EU261 or UK261. These laws guarantee compensation when flights are delayed or cancelled, ensuring airlines take responsibility for their passengers. Find out more about this: 'A glaring gap in consumer protection' - Jersey Consumer Council

 

What are my rights under EU Regulation EU261?

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EU261), you are usually entitled to either a full refund of the cost of your airline ticket within seven days, a return flight to the first point of departure or a substitute flight to your destination from a nearby airport, with the airline covering any additional travel costs.  

 

An alternative flight (re-routing):  

  • If your flight wasn’t direct and was cancelled part-way through, the airline is obliged to fly you back to your first point of departure or refund you in full.

  • They must reroute you to your final destination at the earliest opportunity, which can include alternative flights or even booking seats with another airline.

  • Finally, they can re-route you to your final destination at a later date convenient to you – this could include booking on alternative flights or even with other airlines.

 

Cancel your flight and receive a refund

  • If you choose to refund your flight, you must receive a refund of the full cost of the flight within seven days.

  • However, once you receive the refund you will no longer be able to claim any further expenses from the airline.

  • This option is also available if the delay lasts for five or more hours but the flight isn’t cancelled.

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