Flight delay even by a couple of hours is already an inconvenience. But when a flight is delayed by 24 hours, it does really sound like hell: exhausted, stranded, and hungry is not a good start to any trip. Naturally, you would want to seek compensation for all the hassle endured. But are you really entitled to claim for everything? What Expenses Can Be Claimed?
What Should Airlines Take Care Of?
Of course, if the delay is due to the airline’s fault, you are entitled to disrupted flight compensation, but that is not all. In case of an overnight delay, under the EU261 Regulation as well as other regulations, like Canada’s APPR or Brazil’s ANAC, the airline is required to provide the following:
- Beverages
- Food
- Accomodation
- Transportation (from and to the airport)
Can I Reclaim The Money I Spent?
Unfortunately, it is possible that the airline will not provide these amenities, and you will have to fend for yourself to figure out where you will spend the night and how you will get from and to the location. If that is the case, you are entitled to reclaim the money you spent on transportation.
Even if the delay is due to extraordinary circumstances (no disrupted flight compensation is due), airlines are still required to provide basic care, so you can still claim these expenses. That is why we advise to always save all your invoices and receipts.
Why the Airline Might Refuse to Compensate?
Keep in mind that delays can sometimes be caused by operational issues such as rotation delays and if you decide to stay at a 5-star hotel or eat in Michelin-star restaurants, the airlines can refuse to compensate you for these expenses. Whether Canada’s APPR, EU261, and Brazil’s ANAC, all these regulations focus on basic care, not on indulgence. The airline’s goal is to get the passengers through the delay safely and comfortably, not gifting them a 5-star experience.
Think of airline compensation like a survival kit, not a luxury getaway. Airlines serve millions of passengers, and paying for luxury hotels or premium services for everyone would be astronomically expensive. Airlines only reimburse the basic, reasonable cost. This ensures that all passengers are treated fairly, and not letting a few people claim extravagant upgrades.
What Expenses Cannot Be Claimed?
Airlines are not liable for things like missed hotel stays, concerts, or missed important personal and business events. These are consequential losses, the ripple effects of the delay, and are considered indirect damages, which aren’t covered. Airlines cannot possibly anticipate every personal plan their passengers have. One passenger might miss a hotel stay, a cruise, or a concert. If they had to reimburse every possible loss, their liability would be unlimited. That’s where travel insurance comes in, as they are designed to cover these losses.
Think about it this way: you get a taxi to go to the cinema, but the taxi breaks down on the way and you end up missing the movie. The driver either owes you a refund or another drive, but won’t compensate you for the movie you missed. It sounds frustrating, but that’s the reality.
What to Do In Case Of an Overnight Delay?
If you experienced an overnight delay, you can always file a claim with Skycop. A team of professionals will check all the details of your flight and evaluate if it is eligible for disrupted flight compensation and additional expenses reimbursement.
