How To Get Compensation For Delayed Flight?

Even if you are a punctual traveler and always arrive at the designated terminal with enough time, flight delays can still disrupt your plans. The worst part is you are never prepared for the unexpected. But as this is not your fault, you deserve to be compensated for the inconvenience. So, the good news is that you can take action to seek compensation for the delay. Yes, you heard it right. For this, you need to first familiarize yourself with the airline’s policy on flight delays, as different airlines have unique guidelines and procedures. To help you navigate this situation, here are some tips and tricks to get compensation after your delayed flight. 

Possible Reasons For Flight Delays

There can be multiple reasons for your flight to get delayed. But is the reason for delay always within the airline’s control? Not necessarily. However, when the situation is under the airline’s control, and it still fails to meet expectations, they ensure that compensation is provided to affected passengers. Here are some common reasons behind flight delays: 

Weather Conditions

The most common reason for flight delays is the weather conditions. Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, fog, snow, and ice can all lead to delays, as they do not create a safe environment for planes to take off or land. Also, hurricanes and typhoons can cause disruption for a longer period, and airlines sometimes end up canceling their flights. These weather conditions are beyond the control of any airline, and passenger’s safety and comfort are their top priority.

Air Traffic 

When there are already a number of aircraft flying in a given airspace, it can lead to air traffic congestion. This makes the air traffic control system overwhelmed with managing the safe and efficient movement of all these aircraft. This, too, can make it difficult for flights to receive timely clearances for takeoff and landing. Hence, airlines may experience delays, especially during peak travel times, busy hub airports, and limited runway availability. 

Security Concerns

Security is every airline’s top priority, and when it is compromised by any chance, it can lead to significant delays. Heightened security measures may be decided to ensure passenger safety, resulting in extended security checks and longer wait times. These unexpected emergencies at the airport can cause delays as personnel work to secure the situation. 

Airport Operations

Before boarding a plane, there are several airport operations that take place to ensure a safe travel experience. These operations include managing air traffic, ground handling services, baggage handling, security protocols, and maintaining fasciitis and infrastructure. Any disruptions during the activities can lead to flight delays. Therefore, be patient and understanding if any delays occur.  

Global Events

Global events often become reasons to get flight schedules disrupted, which might lead to delays or cancellations. These events usually include natural disasters, political unrest, and public health crises. For the safety and well-being of passengers and staff, airlines might sometimes delay or cancel flights in response to global events. 

Bird Strike

Birds often collide with aircraft which damages the operating parts such as engines, windshields, and other critical components. These incidents typically occur during takeoff, landing, or at low altitudes. Additionally, bird strikes can lead to engine failures, cracked windshields, and other serious issues, resulting in emergency landings, flight cancellations, or delays. 

Compensation Guidelines Of Top 5 US Airlines

Different airlines share varying compensation guidelines for delayed flights. Knowing about those airlines will help you make informed decisions and understand your rights as a passenger. Here are some compensation  guidelines attached to the top 5 US airlines:

Delta Air Lines

In case your Delta Air Lines flight gets delayed by more than 2 hours, the airline offers several forms of compensation to make your wait more comfortable. If you wish to cancel your ticket, Delta Air Lines allows you to do so without incurring any penalties. Along with that, you will get a full refund regardless of whether it was a refundable or non-refundable fare. 

Remember, if your flight is delayed for less than 2 hours, you won’t be able to change or rebook your flight for free.

If the delay lasts for three or more hours, Delta Air Lines offers the  following accommodations:

Meal Vouchers	Hotel Accommodations
Travel Credits	SkyMiles
Ground Transport To And From The Hotel.	Rebooking Options

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines passengers who experience flight delays must be aware of several factors associated with the airline’s compensation guidelines. First of all, if the reason behind the delay is within Southwest Airlines’ control, such as operational mishaps or technical issues, you will be eligible for certain forms of compensation. For instance, the airline will provide a shuttle service to and from the airport to the hotel. 

When the delay is controllable and is of more than 3 hours, here is what you can expect from Southwest Airlines-

• A reasonable Reimbursement for meals
• Emergency Assistance
• Meal vouchers at request (from the airport vendors)
• Complimentary snacks and beverages

United Airlines

If your United Airlines flight is delayed for more than 3 hours, you will be allowed to take advantage of several compensatory services. Yes, you will receive the necessary assistance to make your wait time manageable. United Airlines aims to reduce the inconvenience caused by delays and enhance your overall travel experience by offering a variety of services.

Some of the complimentary services are as follows:

Lodging Arrangements	Rebooking Assistance
Dining Allowances	Customer Help
Ground Transportation to the hotel	Flight delays of five hours or more will entitle you to request a Full ticket refund
Additional Travel Credits or Miles	Extended Hotel Accommodations (If the delay extends overnight or longer).

Frontier Airlines

Frontier has a very easy and straightforward compensation procedure for flight delays when the situation is controllable. For over three hours of delays, you can expect certain forms of compensation. You can easily cancel or rebook your flight without paying any additional fees. If not cancellation and rebooking, there are other compensatory measures provided by Frontier Airlines.

Check out what else Frontier has to offer:

• Meal Vouchers ( When the flight delays are exceeding three hours)
• Travel Credits that can be used for future flights.
• Meal Vouchers
• Request a full refund for your unused itinerary
• Customer Assistance (The official team will provide updates on your flight status and help you with other issues)

JetBlue

If you are on a JetBlue flight and facing a delay of two hours or more, you can request the airline to rebook your flight for free. If no suitable flight is available, you can request a full refund for the itinerary you did not travel on. 

Once your wait time exceeds two hours, JetBlue provides further assistance to minimize the inconvenience. Here is what you can expect:

• A $12.00 meal voucher to cover your food expenses while you wait
• Hotel Accommodations (including transportation to and from the hotel)
• Assistance for Special Needs (especially for families with young children and elderly passengers)

US Department of Transportation- Compensation Rules And Guidelines for Flight Delays

To value your time and ensure a fair travel experience, the Aviation Consumer Protection of the US  has set some rules for compensating travelers during their flight delays. The Denied Boarding Compensation amounts for Domestic Itineraries are listed as follows:

Duration of Arrival Delay	Compensation
Less than an hour	Not Applicable
1 to 2 hours	200% of one-way airfare (but not over $675).
Over 2 hours	400% of one-way airfare (but not over $1,350).

For the International itinerary, the Denied Boarding Compensation amounts are as follows:

Duration of Arrival Delay	Compensation
Less than an hour	Not Applicable
Between 1 to 4 hours	200% of one-way airfare (but not over $675).
Over 4 hours	400% of one-way airfare (but not over $1,350).

Learn About The Tarmac Delays

Tarmac delay occurs when an airplane on the ground is either waiting to take off or has just landed, but passengers are unable to deplane. The delays are, of course, frustrating and uncomfortable but are declared due to specific reasons related to safety, security, or traffic control. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection offers certain rights to passengers under the Tarmac Delay conditions.

• The Airline must update their passengers and notify them on board
• If the delay exceeds 2 hours under the tarmac delays, the airline must start offering granola bars and drinking water to all passengers
• The airline must check if any passenger needs medical attention and provide it promptly
• Airlines must allow passengers to deplane before the delay exceeds 3 hours for domestic and 4 hours for international flights
• Airlines must ensure that passengers can access working toilets and the crew should maintain calm cabin temperatures

Conclusion

As you have thoroughly understood the concept of delayed flights and how you can request compensation, you can easily navigate any future delays with confidence. But there are certain situations when delays are inevitable and beyond the control of airlines, and therefore fail to provide compensation. So, make sure to consider the context of the delay before seeking compensation.

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