A flight delay can disrupt your plans, but it doesn’t have to ruin your journey. With clear guidelines on compensation for flight delays in India, passengers can make the most of the situation. From understanding how airlines handle delays to knowing when to claim a refund, being informed can make all the difference. How do you prepare for such situations, and are you aware of the rules that protect you?
Flight delays are an inevitable part of air travel, but passengers often remain unaware of their rights in such situations. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has laid out specific guidelines to ensure passengers are adequately compensated and supported during disruptions. From free meals to full refunds, understanding your entitlements can transform a frustrating experience into a manageable one. How well do you know your rights when faced with a flight delay or cancellation?
The consequence of a delayed flight is highly dependent on its communication timeline and duration. For example, if a given flight is delayed for more than two hours, airlines are expected to offer complimentary food to the passengers in order to keep them comfortable during their wait. For delay period exceeding six hours, airlines have to:
- Give an alternative flight within a period of six hours, or
- Offer a full refund, or
- Reschedule without any extra charge.
If the delay takes place at night between 8:00 PM and 3:00 AM, which is over a stretch of more than six hours, then you are entitled to complimentary overnight hotel accommodations. The above provisions have been designed to keep the inconvenience to the passengers at a minimum.
Knowing how to claim compensation for flight delays in India will save you from all the useless hassle. Here’s the process explained in stages:
Reach out to their customer service team first. Almost all airlines have dedicated channels for customer queries to deal with claims that are well organised.
Ensure that you have the flight ticket, the proof of the delay (proof can be an email or an SMS notification), and receipts of costs you incurred due to the delay.
Make a complete and explicit report about the disruption and supply every proof required. An adequately documented claim can increase the possibility of rapid resolution.
You may seek to step up your frequent reminders about the claim issue to DGCA if your claim is still unresolved, even leaving a complaint for further action with a consumer forum.
Flight cancellations cause significant disturbance to the people, but guidelines by DGCA come to the rescue of passengers. Depending on the cancellation timing, airlines must provide one of the following-
These rights assist passengers and give them a sense of empowerment to provide timely solutions during cancellations, reducing uncertainty and stress.
When passengers face flight delays or cancellations, they indeed have various channels through which they can seek assistance –
The airlines provide assistance in real time through airport helpdesks and their customer care helplines.
In case the service provided was unsatisfactory, and the issue was unresolved by the airlines, they can lodge a complaint to CRC or the DGCA grievance redressal portal for further action.
For unresolved cases, approaching consumer forums can help secure fair compensation.
Facing a flight disruption can be stressful, but these tips can help you stay in control:
Save emails, SMS updates, and receipts for any expenses incurred. These documents will be crucial for filing claims.
Consider rescheduling or exploring other travel options to minimise disruption.
Regularly check your airline’s website or mobile app for updates on their compensation and rescheduling policies.
While flight delays and cancellations are inconvenient, they don’t have to leave you stranded. Knowing your rights under DGCA guidelines for flight delayed compensation in India can help you navigate these situations effectively. From free meals and accommodations to full refunds and rescheduling, airlines must support passengers during disruptions.
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