'I claimed £440 in flight compensation using Martin Lewis' MSE guidance'
MoneySavingExpert has reported that a number of its readers have been able to successfully claim for flight cancellation in recent weeks
by Lauren Haughey · NottinghamshireLiveFlight disruptions have been a common sight at airports worldwide this summer. In August, easyJet cancelled a staggering 232 flights to and from Portugal due to cabin crew strikes.
And just last week, long queues formed outside Birmingham Airport just last week following a cancelled flight and 'technical issues'. While many of these issues seem to have been resolved, you might wonder: am I entitled to compensation?
According to experts at MoneySavingExpert (MSE), you could be - and its readers seem to agree. Celia, a regular reader of its money-saving newsletter, recently claimed she received a hefty £440 in compensation after experiencing flight chaos in Barcelona. In an email to the MSE team, she expressed her gratitude for their invaluable advice, which she credits for her successful claim.
"My Heathrow to Barcelona flight was cancelled at 9pm the day before due to 'operational constraints," she reportedly explained. "We were put on the next flight. I used your tool, and have received an email today confirming a successful claim totalling £440 for me and my son."
Celia praised MSE's Resolver compensation tool as well. This not only helps you draft a complaint but also tracks its progress and escalates it if necessary. However, before using this, it's crucial to understand what specific criteria are needed to lodge a complaint.
And that starts with knowing what situations are relevant. For instance, if your flight was cancelled less than two weeks before departure, due to staff strikes or an airline error, you could have a valid claim.
However, adverse weather conditions, political unrest, volcanic eruptions and security issues don't qualify for compensation. Meanwhile, anyone delayed for over three hours could be due more than '£500 in compensation', according to MSE. You can still claim even if your flight was years ago too.
MSE suggests that you'll only be entitled to a refund or alternative flight if you are flying from a UK or EU airport, or if you're onboard a UK or EU-based airline arriving in these zones. This is also the case if you've booked through a travel agency or tour operator. However, any flight operator or airport outside of the EU may have different regulations.
To then make a claim, you can use the Resolver tool or contact an airline directly, with each hosting different procedures for flight cancellation reimbursements.