Travel disruptions can be stressful but knowing your rights while facing a delayed or cancelled flight is of utmost importance to know the compensation you deserve. Here you can find details about all passenger rights during this situation as per DGCA guidelines for domestic travel.
These guidelines will help with an overview of DGCA regulations for when you book flights, including compensation and refunds.
Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation Guide
Flight plans, sometimes, can go for a toss but this doesn’t mean that your time or money suffers. Whether you have a flight that is delayed for hours or gets cancelled, you are entitled for compensation. Here are a few pointers that you should keep in mind before travelling to be prepared for any such circumstance.
1. Delayed Flights
2+ hours delay: Passengers get free meals/refreshments.
6+ hours delay (domestic): Alternate flight within this time period or full refund.
More than 24 hours/overnight delays: No-cost hotel accommodation.
2. Cancelled Flights
If your flight is cancelled, the time that you’ve been notified is directly proportional to the compensation you get:
At least 2 weeks prior to departure: You get an alternative flight or full refund.
Between 2 weeks and 24 hours prior to departure: You get an alternative flight within 2 hours of the original time.
After arriving at the airport: Refund and a free meal/refreshment
What to do when your flight is disrupted?
1. Analyse the situation: Getting compensation depends on various factors like if the airline is responsible for the delay and also the duration of the delay.
2. Know the guidelines: DGCA has a set of guidelines which entitles you to a compensation based on policies and length of the flight delay.
3. Check airline policies: Every airline has a different set of terms and conditions. Checking these beforehand will help you make an informed decision and may also help in additional benefits.
What to do when your flight is cancelled?
1. Contact the airline: The first thing you need to do is act fast and contact the airline to secure an alternate flight for your route.
2. Consider rebooking options: Airlines can offer a rescheduled flight or if that is not the case, you might get a full refund.
3. Keep your documents handy: Keep all your boarding passes and any notifications you have received handy and as a record.
What to do when you are denied boarding due to overbooking?
Various airlines follow the pattern of overbooking flights assuming that some passengers will not show up. In such cases, if you are denied boarding, you can ask for an alternative flight within an hour or take compensation from the airline. Each airline has different rules for this, so always check and make an informed decision.
What are situations where airlines are not liable?
There are a few circumstances which are beyond the airline’s control. This could be extreme weather conditions, airport strikes, etc. In such cases, the airline is not responsible for compensation but they must assist with any alternative arrangements.
Responsibility of a Passenger
You must always provide adequate and correct contact details otherwise you might be eligible for compensation. If this is anyway a case, then you can either opt for a refund or alternative travel arrangements if they are available.
Always stay informed and understand your rights when disruptions occur for a smoother travel experience. Keep a check on updated DGCA guidelines to ensure you are getting the best possible assistance and compensation.
