Passenger rights: Due to flight delays, social media platforms have been flooded with videos and posts from passengers, in which they are seen expressing their anger over flight delays or cancellations and blaming the airlines.
An angry passenger traveling on an IndiGo flight from the Delhi-Goa sector on Sunday assaulted the plane’s co-pilot after the flight was delayed by more than 10 hours. So far, more than 163 flights have been delayed from their scheduled time and 100 flights have been cancelled. If you are also going to travel by air, then you should first know about the rules and what are your rights as a passenger in case of delay or cancellation of flights.
What does the rule say?
According to the rules of civil aviation, in case of flight delay, the company will provide accommodation and food facilities to the passenger. If needed, she will also make arrangements for accommodation. When in a domestic flight, if there is a delay of more than 6 hours from the scheduled departure time of the flight, then the airline company will either inform the passenger about this 24 hours in advance or in case of delay after check-in, the airline company will provide an alternative option.
Will present the flight. If she does not do this then the passenger will have to refund the full amount. Let us tell you that if the delay is due to extraordinary circumstances, which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures were taken, then the airlines are relieved of these responsibilities.
What is that situation?
The Airline will not be liable to pay compensation in cases where flight cancellations and flight delays are caused by force majeure, i.e. extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the Airline. In simple language, if the airline is not able to control the incident, then the company is exempted from giving refund. These events include political instability, natural disaster, civil war, rebellion or riot, flood, explosion, government regulation or order affecting aircraft, and strikes.
Do I get a refund of this much money?
- Rs 5,000 for flights delayed up to 1 hour or the basic one-way fare booked and airline fuel charges.
- For flights delayed by more than 1 hour and up to 2 hours, Rs 7,500 or the basic one-way fare booked and airline fuel charges, whichever is lower.
- If the flight is delayed by more than 2 hours, Rs 10,000 or the basic one-way fare booked and airline fuel charges, whichever is less.
