Understanding your passenger rights is important when faced with flight disruption in India.
Flight disruptions are a frustrating aspect of travelling, but understanding your rights should your flight be delayed or cancelled can help you claim what you’re entitled to. Discover all you need to know about refunds and compensation options in India.
Flight disruptions: Delays and cancellations
Understanding your passenger rights in India
Being told your flight has been delayed or cancelled is a stressful experience and can severely disrupt your travel plans. Familiarising yourself with your passenger rights can empower you in the event of flight disruption and help to ensure you receive any compensation you’re entitled to.
This guide to flight cancellation compensation highlights DGCA guidelines for domestic flights within India, outlining refund and compensation eligibility. Alongside this information, ensure you understand the cancellation policy of your chosen airline and know how to contact them should your flight be disrupted.
What to do when your flight is disrupted
A step-by-step guide
If your flight is disrupted, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly to get your travel plans back on track. Gathering information about the cause of the disruption, keeping hold of relevant documentation, and understanding what you’re entitled to under the circumstances are vital in claiming compensation and continuing your journey.
Delayed flight?
Understand your situation
Flight delay compensation depends on the situation, such as the airline you’re travelling with, the length of the delay, and whether the delay is within the airline’s control. Check the DGCA guidelines for advice around what you’re entitled to when your flight is disrupted. You should also familiarise yourself with your airline or online travel agent’s policies as these may also vary depending on your situation.
Cancelled flight?
Act quickly
Although a delayed flight is frustrating, a cancelled flight can really throw your travel plans into disarray. Contact the airline as soon as you discover your flight has been cancelled as this will give you the best chance of finding a solution quickly.
Claiming compensation
Follow the process
Always claim the compensation you’re entitled to if your flight is disrupted as this will help you make the best of the situation. Contact the airline directly to find out about your options and keep hold of any relevant documentation, such as boarding passes and disruption notifications.
Denied boarding?
Overbooking policies
Airlines will sometimes overbook flights to avoid empty seats as they assume that not all passengers will turn up. Should you be denied boarding due to overbooking, airlines may compensate you if they cannot place you on an alternative flight within an hour. Check with your airline for their specific policy.
Extraordinary circumstances
Is the airline at fault?
“Extraordinary circumstances” refer to situations where the flight delay or cancellation isn’t the fault of the airline. This could include extreme weather or airport strikes. Should you face flight disruption due to “extraordinary circumstances” you may not be entitled to compensation. Your airline will be able to provide more information.
Flight delay and cancellation compensation amounts
DGCA guidelines
The flight disruption compensation you’re entitled to will vary depending on the airline’s policy, the reason for the disruption, the length of the delay, and even where you’re travelling to. The DGCA website, your airline, or your online travel agent can provide you with the most up to date information so you know what you can claim. If you booked your flight through Skyscanner, you should contact the airline directly to arrange compensation.
These are guidelines for domestic flights within India. Please note that international flight compensation may differ.
Flight delay length | Compensation |
|---|---|
Two hours or more | Free-of-charge meals or refreshments, depending on the duration of your wait |
Six hours or more (domestic) | Alternate flight within a period of 6 hours or a full refund of your ticket |
More than 24 hours or More than 6 hours for flights scheduled to leave between 20:00 and 3:00 hours | Free hotel accommodation |
Flight cancellation situation | Compensation |
|---|---|
Informed at least two weeks before scheduled departure | Alternative flight or refund |
Informed between two weeks and 24 hours before scheduled departure | Alternative flight departing within two hours of the original flight time |
Informed after arriving at the airport | Refund and meals/refreshments (dependent on wait time) Block time less than one hour: ₹ 5000 or booked one-way basic fare and airline fuel charge (whichever is less) Block time between one and two hours: ₹ 7500 or booked one-way basic fare + airline fuel charge (whichever is less) Block time over two hours: ₹ 10,000 or booked one-way basic fare and airline fuel charge (whichever is less) |
Inadequate or incorrect contact information provided by passenger | Not entitled to compensation. You can choose to receive a ticket refund or alternative travel arrangements can be made where possible. |
Flight disruption FAQs
Understanding your passenger rights around flight delays and cancellations can help you to claim what you’re entitled to and continue with your trip.
Thinking of travelling by plane? Find the best flights, hotels, and car hire deals with Skyscanner.
