TRAVEL chaos caused by a major tech outage across all UK airports earlier this week has left thousands stranded – with many left out of pocket when booking back up flights and hotels.
An Air Traffic Control failure in the UK on Tuesday saw thousands of flights cancelled, resulting in travel chaos across the globe.
Many have since been asking if they can claim compensation back, with flights both delayed and cancelled for days.
However, as the NATS issue was classed as an “extraordinary circumstance” travellers are not entitled to cash compensation.
The maximum compensation you can get is for long-haul flights which are delayed four hours or more, which would be £520.
This is only for when the problems are the caused by the airline, directly, however.
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Lisa Minot, Head of Travel said: “Airlines are only required to give you compensation if the delay or cancellation is the airline’s fault, as in a technical failure on a plane or issues with crew.
“In this situation, where ATC is the reason for the chaos, there is unfortunately no compensation due.”
Yet, airlines do have a duty of care, so you can recoup some of your costs.
When affected by flight delays, airlines must provide travellers with food and drink as well as accommodation.
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‘Care’ you should receive includes food and drink, two phone calls, accommodation and transport between the airport and where you are staying.
Usually, an airline will provide you with a voucher to get food or drink, however if a voucher isn’t provided, make sure you keep your receipts to claim back expenses incurred.
While an airline might automatically book your accommodation when your flight is delayed or cancelled, sometimes you might be asked to book it yourself via its website or a dedicated app.
Although, it is advised to always ask airport staff before booking a hotel yourself.
If you pay for your own hotel, you must make sure to keep all your receipts so you can claim back your costs.
Airlines will cover a hotel with a reasonable price though, so don’t go booking a five-star stay.
Then head to your airline’s website and find their expenses claims page and fill out the form with the relevant details.
The CAA also recommends asking for an itemised receipt to show what you purchased and how much was spent on each thing.
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Lisa added: “Check your insurance policy to see if you have any redress if you have incurred additional costs like missing a concert or unable to pick up car hire. You may be able to claim for that.
“Generally for delays, if an airline looks after you or provides you with food and drink or hotels, you cannot claim for the same costs against your travel insurance.”