Passenger rights in the event of flight delays due to bad weather

Bad weather is one of the most common reasons for flight delays and cancellations. But what does this mean for passengers who are stuck at the airport for hours? What rights do you have if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions? In this blog post, we explain what you can expect as a passenger and how you can assert your claims in such cases.

Bad weather as an exceptional circumstance?

Under the EU Passenger Rights Regulation 261/2004, airlines are obliged to pay compensation in the event of delays or cancellations. However, there are exceptions, and bad weather is one of them. If extreme weather conditions such as severe storms, dense fog, heavy rain or black ice mean that a flight cannot be operated safely, these are extraordinary circumstances. This means that the airline is exempt from the obligation to pay financial compensation.

However, this does not mean that passengers are completely without protection. They still have certain rights, which we will discuss below.

Your rights in the event of long delays

Even if you do not receive compensation for weather-related flight delays, you are still entitled to assistance from the airline. Depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight, you have the following rights:

1. 1. Catering obligations: From a delay of two hours (for short-haul flights of up to 1,500 km), airlines must provide you with free meals and drinks. You also have the right to two free phone calls or emails.
   2. Hotel accommodation: If your flight is delayed until the next day and an overnight stay is necessary, the airline must organise a hotel and transfer to it.
   3. Alternative transport options: If the delay exceeds five hours and you no longer wish to take the flight, you have the right to a full refund of the ticket price or to request alternative transport.
      
      

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Documentation and proof of delay

It is always advisable to carefully document all the details of your delay. Ask the airline for written confirmation of the delay and the reason if they do not provide you with such information.

Even if bad weather is cited as the reason for the delay or cancellation, you should have the case checked. It is not always a case of exceptional circumstances, especially if the weather at the destination or departure airport is better or other airlines can still take off. The airline may not have taken all the necessary measures to minimise the effects of the weather conditions.

The conclusion:

Bad weather can cause significant flight delays, and in many cases these are considered extraordinary circumstances for which no compensation is payable. However, this does not mean that you have no rights. The airline is obliged to offer you assistance and organise hotel accommodation if necessary. If you suspect that the delay is not solely due to the weather, it is worth having the case checked by an expert.

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