Cancelled and delayed are the two worst fears of any air passenger around the world. What’s worse is when the airlines don’t rightly compensate passengers for their trouble due to a lack of awareness. So, if you have ever faced issues like flight cancellation, delays, or worse yet, overbooking – then this one’s for you. We have made a list of rights and guidelines that every passenger should bookmark. This is to make you aware of your rights and avail the right compensation for all the troubles faced. So, read on and save for later as well!
When Flights Get Delayed – One Of The Most Frequent Occurrences
Let’s understand the basics first. The aviation regulator body in India – the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has a special cell called Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR). The CAR is the regulatory body that deals with flight woes like delays, cancellations, and boarding denials. Under CAR’s Section 3, Series M, Part IV, every airline is required to provide assistance to passengers under circumstances like cancellations and delays.
Delays by a few minutes or even an hour are tolerable. However, when prolonged and hampering any passenger’s further plans – that’s simply not right. Therefore, airlines are provided guidelines to offer meals or some refreshments if the flight is delayed. This usually has a timeline. For example, this is applicable if the flight is delayed beyond two hours and has a block time of up to two and a half hours.
In some cases, the airline is even required to provide accommodation to the passengers. This usually happens when the delay period is more than 24 hours; or beyond six hours for a flight between 2000 hours and 0300 hours.
Also Read: Come 2024, Vistara Plans To Increase Frequency Of Flights From Mumbai To Singapore & London
In Case Of Cancelled Flight – How To Avail Compensation & Flyer’s Rights
According to CAR regulations, the airline has to inform the passenger of any cancellations at least two weeks before the date of departure. In case the announcement is made between two weeks and up to 24 hours before the departure time, the passenger is entitled to a full refund, alternate flight booking, or both. Also, airlines must provide refreshments to passengers who report for the flight at the airport while waiting for an alternate flight.
The passenger is entitled to more compensation if they have a connecting flight on the same ticket number. This includes alternate flight bookings, full refund, and compensation. The compensation offered is usually of up to ₹ 10,000 or a booking for one-way basic fare, depending on the block time.
What To Do If You’re Denied Boarding
Overbooking in flights happens when the airlines book more passengers for a flight than its general capacity. In such cases, airlines have to first ask their passengers to voluntarily give up their seats. Then as per the airline’s discretion, they offer certain benefits to the passengers.
In cases where a passenger is denied boarding against their will, there are certain regulations to be kept in mind. The airline has to arrange for an alternative flight within the hour of the scheduled departure. If they fail to do so, the passenger is eligible for compensation equal to 200% of the booked fare plus airline fuel surcharge. The latter remains capped at ₹ 10,000 – if an attentive flight is arranged within 24 hours. If the alternate flight is booked beyond the 24-hour mark, then the penalty increases to 400% of the booked fare plus the airline fuel charge. The latter, in this case, remains capped at ₹ 20,000
According to a report published in Hindustan Times, In November this year, about 2.69 lakh people were compensated by airlines for flight delays, about 40,000 were compensated for cancellations, and 1,231 for denied boarding. So, be more aware of your rights while boarding a plane next time.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pixabay
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.