What happens when my flight is delayed?
They say in life, nothing is certain but death and taxes. Anyone who’s travelled would probably add airline delays to that list as well.
Consumer advocate group CHOICE says that around 21 per cent of Australians experienced flight delays or cancellations on international or domestic flights in 2015, and 4 per cent of people have been bumped from their flight due to overbooking.
These figures are backed up by research from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Economics, which found that 76,266 domestic flights were delayed by 15 minutes or more and 8,271 were cancelled in the 2014–15 financial year.
At some point in time most of us will be faced with an inconvenient delay, and while most airlines have plenty of information hidden in the Ts and Cs to ensure they’re covered, it doesn’t mean you’re completely without any rights when your flight is delayed.
When the delay or cancellation is within the airline’s control (mechanical issues etc.):
- Most airlines will carry you on another scheduled service as soon as space is available. If they can’t do this they will generally provide a refund.
- At the airline’s discretion, you may also be provided with meals, refreshments, accommodation and transfers, appropriate with the length of the delay.
When the delay or cancellation is outside the airline’s control (bad weather etc.):
- Airlines will usually try to help you get to your destination in time.
- But, as is often stated in their product disclosure statements, airlines are not responsible for any costs or expenses you incur as a result of the delay.
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