Flight compensation: Doing THIS simple trick could get you HUNDREDS back after a delay
FLIGHT compensation hacks to make sure you get the money back you deserve, as explained by our expert.
Monarch collapse: Martin Lewis on how to claim compensation
Flight compensation is offered to passengers after journeys are cancelled, overbooked or severely delayed.
But many are in dire need of travel advice about how whether they are eligible for a refund.
Shockingly, only two per cent of almost nine million passengers entitled to refunds actually claim for them, according to figures from flight delay compensation company AirHelp.
Refunds can be worth up to hundreds of pounds, while affected travellers can receive additional expenses for everything from the cost of phone calls to overnight accommodation.
Flight delays: You could be compensated hundreds of pounds
Many passengers are unaware of their rights ahead of their journey.
Paloma Salmeron Planells, a representative from AirHelp, says passengers need to be aware of their entitlement when wondering whether to make a claim.
“Many passengers are unaware of their rights ahead of their journey.
“This causes them to not submit a claim, which could be worth up to £520, or keep hold of receipts so that they can claim further expenses back.”
Paloma has explained the best travel advice for airline passengers to make sure they get a flight refund, plus any expenses.
ONE: Think before you book
Read the terms and conditions of your flight booking to make you aware of what you can and can’t claim for if it all goes wrong.
“We urge passengers to read up on their rights ahead of booking their flights so they’re aware of what they’re legally entitled to,” says Paloma.
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TWO: Keep hold of your boarding pass
You will need information on your boarding pass when making a claim, including your booking reference number, a six digit code which may contain both letters and numbers.
Failing that, use any flight document with the reference number.
THREE: Ask for advice
You can use online tools like the AirHelp website to check out your eligibility for flight compensation. They also have a mobile app, which allows you to check for refund eligibility on the go.
FOUR: Find out the ACTUAL reason for the delay
Paloma said: “The more specific the reason, the better. If they say that it’s due to ‘operational circumstances’ or ‘flight safety shortcomings,’ ask them for more detail.
“This information is important down the line if you decide to file a claim.”
FIVE: Note the RIGHT arrival time
This is not when the wheels touch down, but when the plane is actually at the gate and the door opens,” said Paloma. “If you’re more than 3 hours late, you could be entitled to compensation.”
Flight refunds: most people don't claim what they deserve
Flight refunds have been a hot topic in recent months.
First, Ryanair announces it was cancelling 20,000 flights – leaving 700,000 passengers in the lurch.
It was left paying out €25 million in compensation to customers.
Shortly after, Monarch Airlines went bust – leaving 110,000 passengers stranded abroad, and cancelling 300,000 future bookings.