Brits warned they can get some money back for flights diverted during Storm Isha
Passengers caught up in flight chaos caused by Storm Isha should follow four steps to make sure they are not left out of pocket.
Storm gusts which hit 90mph last night and this morning have had a destructive impact on flight schedules, with planes having to divert hundreds of miles after being unable to land at certain airports due to the power of the wind.
Hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled due to the impact of the storms, stranding people at airports overnight. Many people were forced to sleep on benches in terminals overnight as they waited for their planes to be rescheduled.
Now the travel experts at FlightsFinder.com have advised passengers on what they should do if their flight is disrupted because of the bad weather.
Have you been impacted by the storm? Email [email protected]
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
Passengers were stuck in Bristol Airport waiting for flights overnight (LT1Media)Shahab Siddiqui, founder of FlightsFinder.com said: "During the winter, bad weather and freezing conditions can severely impact airport operations. Last year, millions of flights were cancelled or delayed which caused stress for holidaymakers hoping to enjoy a getaway.
"When it comes to weather-related delays and cancellations it can cause more problems for travellers as airlines can refuse compensation claiming it is out of their control. It is well worth disputing this as airlines can be held responsible if they had poor de-icing procedures, for example. It is also important to keep in touch with airlines for updates and make use of complimentary food and drinks at the airport."
Check out the team's top tips below.
Challenge the airline
If a flight is cancelled because of bad weather, guidelines say that the airline must prove there were extraordinary circumstances and that they took all reasonable steps to avoid them. It is important to know your rights, as you may find airlines push back when you make compensation claims.
Airlines can classify severe weather conditions as an extraordinary circumstance meaning they can legally refuse pay-outs. However, it is possible to argue the toss when it comes to what is and isn't "extraordinary".
It is always worth claiming compensation. If the weather is not “wholly exceptional”, or if other flights are taking off at the same time, this may be an indication that your flight could have gone ahead. Airlines failing to take technical measures like de-icing the aircraft will leave grounds for compensation.
Ask about re-routes
Airlines must prove that they took all possible measures to re-route affected passengers at the earliest opportunity and prove it was not possible to rebook passengers onto another connection. They must also show they looked at the possibility of rebooking passengers on flights with other airlines and even considered alternative transportation.
Insurance
Some providers offer cover for extreme weather, for which airlines aren't required to offer compensation. If left stranded by disruption, they can also cover emergency accommodation and even repatriation. It is well worth checking the terms of your insurance if you find yourself caught up in travel chaos, as you may discover you are more comprehensively covered than you thought.
Complimentary offers
Depending on how long the flight is delayed, the airline has to offer things like food and drink, access to phone calls and email and accommodation. If you are not given anything at the airport, keep receipts for expenses and try to claim from the airline later on. Record keeping is key, as airlines are likely to try and minimise their losses.
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