Passengers delayed by more than an hour on domestic flights could be entitled to compensation (2024)

Domestic air passengers will be able to claim compensation for flights delayed by more than an hour under plans set out by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Under European Union rules that the UK currently follows, customers can only do so for flights delayed by three hours or more - limited to £220 for flights of 1,500 km (932 miles ) or under.

The government said it was able to propose changes following Brexit.

Passengers delayed by more than an hour on domestic flights could be entitled to compensation (1)

It is considering a move to the system used by rail and ferry operators, which links compensation pay-outs to the cost of travel.

Under the Department for Transport's plans, passengers would receive 25% of the ticket price for a delay of one to two hours.

That would rise to 50% for a delay of two to three hours and 100% for a delay of more than three hours.

The DfT is also planning to require airlines to pay the full cost of repairing or replacing wheelchairs and mobility scooters lost or damaged during domestic flights.

Currently they are obliged to pay up to about £1,200 even though some wheelchairs cost more than £25,000.

The proposals also include forcing airlines operating in the UK to sign up to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme, which could help more people receive refunds and compensation without having to go to court.

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Passengers delayed by more than an hour on domestic flights could be entitled to compensation (5) 2:13

Membership of the scheme is currently voluntary for airlines.

Mr Shapps said: "People deserve a service that puts passengers first when things go wrong, so today I've launched proposals which aim to bolster airline consumer protections and rights.

"We're making the most of our Brexit dividend with our new freedoms outside of the EU, and this review will help build a trustworthy, reputable sector."

Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which?, said trust in travel had plummeted during the pandemic "when some airlines ignored their legal obligations and refused to pay refunds for cancelled flights".

She added: "This consultation is a welcome first step that must improve and strengthen consumer rights and protections so that complaints are dealt with fairly and promptly, and that passengers receive the money they are due quickly and without unnecessary hassle."

Passengers delayed by more than an hour on domestic flights could be entitled to compensation (2024)

FAQs

Passengers delayed by more than an hour on domestic flights could be entitled to compensation? ›

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) airlines in the U.S. are not required to compensate passengers if a flight is delayed or canceled, it only requires compensation if you are moved or bumped from an overbooked flight.

How long can a domestic flight be delayed before compensation? ›

Claiming Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Delayed flights: you may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived 3 hours or more late. Canceled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was canceled less than 14 days before it was due to depart.

Can you get compensation if your flight is delayed an hour? ›

You'll start being eligible for compensation if your flight arrives three hours (or more) later than scheduled. So if you're on a flight that takes off four hours late but lands two hours 55 minutes late, you won't be eligible. Your arrival time is deemed to be when at least one of the plane doors is opened.

How long can you be delayed for flight delay compensation? ›

Airlines must provide compensation for the inconvenience of flight cancellations and flight delays of 3 hours or more and if the disruption is within their control and not related to safety, and if the airline notified you of the disruption 14 days or less in advance.

What is the new law for delayed flights? ›

The first rule requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed because their flights are cancelled or significantly changed, their checked bags are significantly delayed, or the ancillary services, like Wi-Fi, they purchased are not provided.

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