28 January 2024

Airlines accused of obstructing delay compensation claims

Airlines are accused of obstruction and delay when it comes to paying compensation for delayed or cancelled flights.

New data from solicitors Bott and Co, who specialise in airline compensation claims has shown many airlines still avoiding paying passengers the compensation the expect under EU Regulation 261. The worse performing airlines are Vueling, Lufthansa, and Ryanair who are reported as using stalling tactics, resulting in passengers having to resort to legal remedies before compensation is received.

Almost 50% of Passengers See Delays When Claiming Compensation

Bott and Co's data reveals that 46% of compensation claims across various airlines require court intervention before a settlement is received.

Given that EU Regulation 261 has been in place for over a decade this is disappointing to say the least.

The stalling tactics often result in passengers abandoning their claims although other either engage a solicitor or take their case up using a no-win, no-fee flight delay compensation solicitor.

They do also have the opportunity to escalate the matter - and CAA have a useful guide to the process on the CAA website.

Air passengers are entitled to meals, snacks, telephone calls and cash compensation of between €250 and €600 if their flight is delayed by three hours or more unless the delay was due to "extraordinary circumstances”.

The Civil Aviation Authority define "extraordinary circumstances” as anything outside the airline's control.

It still seems though that despite long established legislation that a certain level of persistence and determination may required to obtain compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight.

If you've booked your flights as part of a package, you would normally approach you tour operator first. Your Travel Insurance may also include some payments for flight delay or cancellation.

Independent travellers should approach the airline. But what if the cancellation was due to something more serious, like the collapse of the airline? We investigate Holiday Supplier Insolvency Insurance here.