4 Things to do After a Cancelled Flight

Have you ever had to deal with a flight cancellation and wondered what to do next? Flight cancellations happen more often than you can imagine, and it leaves air passengers wondering about the next step to take. This is especially worse if you are already at the airport before getting notified. However, your flight being cancelled doesn’t have to completely ruin your plans. Here are a few things you can do after a cancelled flight. 

1. Wait for Notifications

Airlines are expected to notify you of any possible cancellation of your flight ahead of time. However, this isn’t always the case. If you are stranded at the airport after finding out that your flight has been cancelled, wait a bit for an official notification from the airline. The notification should inform you why it has been cancelled and whether or not it will be rescheduled on another flight or another day.

2. Know Why it was Cancelled

There are several reasons why a flight could be cancelled. This includes adverse weather conditions, airline staff shortages, pilot unfit to fly, mechanical issues, etc. Most of the time, the cause is within the airline’s control, in which case they have to pay for it. Walk to the information desk or contact the airline directly to know what could have caused the flight cancellation. The airline is obligated to inform you of the cause and you should request to have it in written form, perhaps over an email. You would need this later for when you want to claim compensation. 

3. Know Your Rights

Airlines have policies in cases of flight cancellations. However, in the UK and European countries, airlines are guided by the EU 261/2004 regulation. Under this law, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €250 - €600 if your flight gets cancelled. This is based on the condition that the reason for the cancellation was within the airline’s control and not due to extraordinary circumstances. 

You are also entitled to the right to care, such as access to complimentary food and drinks and a hotel booking for flight delays lasting the night. This law ensures you get a free flight rescheduling or a ticket refund for longer delays of more than 5 hours and flight cancellations. Airlines are obligated to inform you of your rights under this law and also notify you about your flight as necessary. 

4. Take Action

You may complain about the airline following a flight cancellation, but do you know what’s better? Getting paid for the inconvenience! Get all your documents together and contact the airline to get the process started. You will need your valid ticket and booking confirmation, receipts, vouchers, boarding pass, baggage pass, etc. 

Bottom Line

Flight cancellations can be quite distressing but if you are ever faced with such, remember that the EC 261 law protects you. Make this law work for you by exercising your rights. For a more seamless process, you can speak to your travel agent about it or get an attorney or a firm like Flightright involved.