We hear an increase in cases of flights getting delayed or cancelled these days for whatever reason.
With the power of social media, many are quick to post about it, if only to let out their frustration.
Receiving a cancellation notification can feel like the end of the world if you spent your savings on the trip, and have people to meet in a few hours.
But moving forward, what do you do next if you experience a delayed or cancelled flight?
Cancellations and delays, depending on the nature and how much time has passed, offer passengers different compensation options.
Read: 75-year-old mom wins eviction case against two sons in their 40s still living in her house
Below, we list down your rights so you know how to deal in case you find yourself in the middle of this unfortunate event.
Do take note that these rules apply only to Philippine flights and airlines, as regulated by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Trade and Indsutry. Anything beyond it, is subject to the rules of your airline's home country, or destination.
Read:
How Many Hours Before My Flight Should I Be at the Airport?
Cheaper Flights Ahead as Fuel Surcharge is Rolled Back for November
passenger rights in the event of flight cancellation
Flights are often cancelled due to technical errors, logistical problems, health concerns, or weather conditions. Depending on the reason, passengers may be offered different ways to deal with a cancelled flight.
In the event that a flight cancellation is attributable to the airline, the following may occur:
Cancellation at least 24 hours before flight. You have to right to:
- be notified beforehand of the fact of cancellation
- rebook or reimburse the passenger, at the option of the latter
Cancellation less than 24 hours before flight. You have the right to:
- be notified beforehand of the fact of cancellation
- amenities
- be reimbursed of the value of the fare, taxes, and surcharges, and other optional fees
- to be endorsed to another air carrier without paying any fare difference
- to rebook the ticket without additional charge
Cancellation due to other causes—such as force majeure, safety and or security reasons—should result in the reimbursement of the full value of the fare.
What happens when flights get delayed?
Flight delays don't always lead to cancellations and passengers can take a different set of steps depending on how much time has elapsed since estimated time of departure.
Terminal delay of at least three hours after the estimated time of departure, whether or not it's attributable to the carrrier. You have the right to:
- avail of refreshments or meals
- free phone calls, text or e-mails, and first aid, if necessary
- rebook or refund the passenger’s ticket
- be endorsed to another carrier
Terminal delay of at least six hours after the estimated time of departure (ETD), whether or not it’s attributable to the carrier. You have the right to:
- consider the flight cancelled for the purpose of availing the rights and amenities provided for in case of actual cancellation
- additional compensation equivalent to at least the value of the sector delayed
- board the flight if it takes place more than six hours after the time of departure and the affected passenger has not opted to rebook or refund
Tarmac delay of at least two hours after the ETD
Delays also occur even when you've boarded the plane. Since Philippine airports only have one runway, this may result in planes waiting for clearance to safely take off.
On busy seasons, several planes may be lined up and it can take hours, but there's really not much left to do except wait in your seat. In such cases, a delay of two hours should afford you access to:
- sufficient food and beverage
How do I get my money?
Passengers who can avail reimbursement or refunds have the right to immediate payment of compensation.
Payment must be available to the affected passenger through the following channels:
- at the carrier’s counters at the airport on the date when the incident occurred
- at the main office or any branch of the air carrier, at the discretion of the passenger
Funds can be released through the following modes:
- by tendering a check
- cash
- a document necessary to claim the compensation of benefits. The document shall be convertible to cash within 15 days from the date when the occasion occurred