Airlines take flight from valid delay claims

AIRLINES are exploiting a grey area in the law to dodge compensation for passengers who miss connecting flights due to a delay.

This is the latest excuse airlines have been caught using to reject compensation claims.

Under EU law you are entitled to up to £466 if you arrive at your destination more than three hours late — providing the reason for the delay is within the airline’s control.

If your journey involves more than one flight, the rules are the same as long you have bought a single ticket from an airline, known as a through ticket. So, if you miss your connection because the first flight was delayed or the second plane is late taking off, it doesn’t matter — if you arrive at your final destination more than three hours late you are entitled to compensation.

If you book two separate flights it is more difficult. If the first flight is delayed causing you to miss your second flight, you will get compensation only if the delay is longer than three hours.

If the second flight is delayed, you will get compensation only if you are travelling with an EU airline or flying out of an EU airport.

Money Mail routinely hears from readers who have been delayed at popular stop-off points on the way to Australia, such as Hong Kong or Thailand, and had claims rejected.

Airlines argue that as the delay occurred in the Middle East and not in Europe they don’t have to pay. This is not true. If you’ve bought one ticket it is the airline’s responsibility to get you to your final destination on time.

Insiders say it is a problem when flying with a non-EU airline as they are less familiar with the rules.

A Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson says: ‘Compensation has been the subject of legal challenge. You may claim compensation if your original flight departed from an EU airport and the airline is at fault for the disruption and missed connection.’