Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Organising a holiday is no small feat, as it involves a multitude of tasks that require careful consideration. From planning your accommodation to securing travel insurance to ensure you’re fully covered, every aspect demands your time and attention. This comprehensive process includes researching destinations, comparing prices, and making reservations well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
That’s why nothing is more upsetting than being all packed up and ready to embark on your dream getaway, only to receive the disappointing news that your flight has been cancelled.
Flight cancellations can throw a spanner in your travel plans and lead to significant frustration, especially when you’ve invested so much effort into your holiday preparations. Whether you’re facing a flight cancellation right now or simply doing some research for the future, it’s crucial to be informed and prepared.
In this article, we share an extensive guide on what steps to take when your flight gets cancelled, including how to contact your airline, understand your rights as a passenger, and explore alternative travel options.
Why Has My Flight Been Cancelled?
The first question you are likely wondering when you find out your flight is cancelled is “Why?” Understanding the reason behind the cancellation is crucial, as it will not only help you comprehend what has occurred but also likely guide you to your next steps.
Your flight can be cancelled at any point, from the moment you book it to the time it’s scheduled to depart—and even after the planned departure time if it has experienced delays beforehand. This unpredictability underscores the importance of staying informed.
Before your trip, it’s always worth keeping a close eye on your flight status and any potential cancellations that may arise. You'd hate to arrive at the airport, go through the check-in process, and then discover that your flight has been cancelled, leaving you stranded with no immediate options.
To minimise stress and ensure a smoother travel experience, consider downloading your airline's app or signing up for flight alerts. These tools can provide real-time updates and notifications directly to your phone.
For even more tips on navigating air travel, you can read more in our ultimate guide to stress-free airport check-in.
READ MORE: Stress-Free Airport Check-In
What Are Some Common Reasons Flights Get Cancelled?
A flight cancellation can be frustrating, but understanding the various reasons behind it can help ease that frustration. Here are some common causes:
Weather Conditions – Weather plays a significant role in flight schedules. This includes not only the local weather at the departure airport but also conditions along the flight path and at the destination. For instance, while you may enjoy clear skies, a hurricane could be brewing along your route or at your arrival airport, making safe landings impossible. Even heavy rain or fog can reduce visibility, prompting airlines to prioritise safety by cancelling flights.
Mechanical Issues – Flights may be grounded due to mechanical problems with the aircraft. If a technical malfunction arises that cannot be resolved quickly, it can cause considerable delays. Moreover, if a replacement aircraft isn't available in time, your flight could be cancelled. Passenger safety is always the top priority and airlines cannot compromise the integrity of their planes.
Aircraft Availability – Sometimes, flight cancellations stem from the unavailability of the aircraft itself. For example, if a previous flight using the same plane encountered issues or delays due to a malfunction, your scheduled flight may lose access to that aircraft. Additionally, rerouting complications can exacerbate the situation, resulting in a chain of cancellations.
Airline Administration - In some cases, airline administration issues can cause flight cancellations. This may include financial troubles or changes in management that result in the cancellation of select routes. While rare, these situations can be disruptive and unpredictable for passengers.
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Crew Availability – Like any industry, the airline sector is not immune to staffing challenges. Illness, personal emergencies, or logistical issues may prevent crew members from arriving on time. If the required number of crew members is unavailable for safe flight management, cancellations become necessary.
Striking and Industrial Action - In rare cases, flight cancellations can occur due to striking or industrial action by airline or airport staff. These disruptions are typically announced in advance, but unpredictable issues like last-minute negotiations or a critical mass of employees striking can lead to unexpected flight cancellations.
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Accumulated Delays – Repeated delays can lead to a flight’s ultimate cancellation, especially if they result in missing available runway slots. Air traffic control must maintain an efficient flow of air travel, which may force them to request a flight’s cancellation when delays pile up.
Technical Glitches – In today’s digital age, flight operations heavily rely on technology. While systems typically function smoothly, a computer glitch can disrupt scheduling for entire airlines or airports. Such disruptions can lead to confusion and widespread cancellations, as even minor technical issues can significantly impact the complex network of flight connections.
Insufficient Passengers – Although rare, flights may be cancelled due to a lack of passengers. Airlines continuously evaluate the feasibility of each flight, and if the operational costs outweigh projected ticket sales, they may decide to cancel the flight rather than operate it with a minimal passenger load.
Security Concerns – Security issues can also lead to flight cancellations. Civil unrest or heightened security alerts at the departure or arrival airport may prompt cancellations. In emergencies such as wildfires, airports take proactive measures to ensure passenger safety. Airlines prioritise secure travel, even if that means cancelling flights.
In most cases, your airline will reach out to explain the reasons for a cancellation and outline the next steps. Understanding these factors can help alleviate some of the frustration associated with travel disruptions.
Will My Flight Be Rescheduled for Me?
If you are departing the UK, your airline is legally obligated to provide you with a choice of a replacement flight as early as possible or the opportunity for a full refund. This requirement applies to all situations, whether your flight is cancelled several weeks in advance or if you find yourself denied boarding due to overbooking issues. Notably, this policy also extends to passengers returning to the UK from either a UK or EU airport, ensuring that your travel plans are protected no matter the circumstances.
If you happen to be at the airport when the cancellation is announced and have already been rerouted onto a different flight, you can expect the airline to provide care for the duration of your delay. This care may include essential amenities such as food and drink vouchers, or accommodation arrangements if your replacement flight is scheduled to depart the following day. Additionally, the airline should cover transfers to and from the accommodation to ensure a seamless experience during your wait.
For travellers flying from airports outside of the UK or with non-UK or EU airlines, the policies can vary significantly based on the specific airline you’ve booked with. While the airline is responsible for informing you about the next steps to take in the event of a cancellation, including whether travel has been rearranged, it is advisable to closely review your booking terms and conditions.
What if the Rescheduled Flight Isn't Suitable?
If the alternative flight you’ve been offered isn't suitable for your travel needs, you aren’t obligated to take it. For instance, if you discover a different option from another airline that aligns better with your original travel plans or offers more convenient departure times, you have the right to book that flight instead. This flexibility allows you to prioritise your schedule and comfort, ensuring your journey remains as stress-free as possible.
Another viable option is to request a refund instead of accepting a replacement flight. In this case, you should be entitled to receive a full refund for any unused travel portions. It’s important to understand the details of this process: if you have a return ticket and you’ve already completed the outbound flight, the airline will typically compensate you only for the return segment that you did not use. Be sure to check the specific airline policies and any deadlines for refund requests to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Am I Entitled to Compensation?
In addition to a refund, you might also be entitled to compensation, which can provide further financial relief. This entitlement largely depends on the specific reason for the cancellation, which you hopefully have already clarified. If the cancellation was due to factors within the airline's control—such as operational issues, staffing shortages, or equipment failures—you are more likely to qualify for compensation.
However, if the cancellation resulted from extraordinary circumstances, like severe weather or air traffic control decisions, the airline might not be held liable. Understanding these nuances can help you navigate the claims process more effectively.
ABTA explain: “If you received less than 14 days’ notice of the cancellation, you are generally due compensation, awarded in pounds or euros depending on where your flight was due to depart from, according to the following scale:
- £220 / €250 for all flights of 1,500km or less (e.g. Glasgow to Amsterdam).
- £350 / €400 for all flights between 1,500km and 3,500km (e.g. East Midlands to Marrakech).
- £520 / €600 for all other flights (e.g. London to New York)."
“Compensation will be reduced by 50% if the arrival time of the replacement flight doesn’t exceed the arrival time of the original flight by:
- two hours for flights of 1,500km or less.
- three hours for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km.
- four hours for all other flights.”
If you're unable to secure compensation from the airline, you still have options to recover some funds through your travel insurance. This type of insurance is specifically designed to safeguard you against unforeseen changes to your travel plans, serving as a valuable safety net.
If a cancellation has led to financial repercussions, such as non-refundable accommodations or lost deposits, it's worth examining your travel insurance policy closely. Pay attention to specific clauses outlining the types of cancellations and incidents that are covered, as well as the claims process. In many instances, you may find that you're eligible for compensation, which can help ease the financial strain caused by unexpected travel disruptions.
READ MORE: When to Buy Travel Insurance
Enjoy Your Trip
A cancelled flight doesn’t need to spell disaster for your travel plans. In fact, there are several measures in place to ensure that your journey can still proceed as intended. While a cancelled flight can certainly feel stressful at the moment—throwing a spanner into your itinerary and leading to frustration—it's important to remember that you have options.
With a little patience and adaptability, you can still make the most of your trip. Remember to stay informed about your rights as a passenger, and don’t hesitate to reach out to airline representatives for assistance. By embracing the unexpected, you can turn a potentially disappointing situation into an opportunity for adventure and create lasting memories on your journey.
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