Flight Delays and Cancellations: What Passengers Need to Know About Compensation

Global IT Outage Causes Widespread Travel Disruption

A major IT outage has hit airports worldwide, causing chaos for travelers. Passengers are facing long delays at check-in, and many flights are taking off late or being grounded completely.

Advice for Travelers

If you’re due to travel:

• Check your flight status before leaving home
• Allow extra time for check-in and security

Understanding Passenger Rights

European Law Protections

Under European law, passengers are entitled to certain protections:

• For delays over 3 hours or cancellations, airlines must offer:
• An alternative flight
• A full refund
• Possible compensation (€250 for short-haul to €600 for long-haul)

Exceptions to Compensation Rules

Compensation may not apply in cases of:

• Extreme weather conditions
• Security risks
• Other circumstances beyond airline control

Will Passengers Be Compensated for This IT Outage?

Expert Opinion

Anita Mendiratta, advisor to UN Tourism, states:

“If it is not the fault of the airline, compensation is unlikely.”

Airline Responsibilities

Even without compensation, airlines must provide:

• Food and accommodation (when necessary)
• Assistance during delays and cancellations

How to Claim Compensation

1. Consult airport staff (as airline websites may be affected)
2. Contact airlines once their systems are operational
3. Check credit card terms (some have built-in compensation clauses)
4. Consider travel insurance claims

Travel Insurance Coverage

Potential Coverage

Your travel insurance may cover:

• Delays (often over 8 or 12 hours)
• Unused hotel bookings
• Basic costs incurred during delays

Making a Claim

To support your claim:

• Keep all documentation about the delay
• Retain your boarding pass
• Save all relevant receipts

Key Takeaways

1. Check your flight status and allow extra time at the airport
2. Understand your rights under European law
3. Explore all compensation options (airline, credit card, travel insurance)
4. Keep all documentation to support potential claims

Remember, safety is the top priority. Compensation matters can be addressed once normal operations resume.