What is classed as extraordinary circumstance in flight delays?

Extraordinary circumstances are, for example, bad weather, strikes — everything caused by a third party or that the airline couldn't have predicted. Disrupted flight due to extraordinary circumstances? You could still be able to get flight compensation!



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Circumstances that have been deemed to be not extraordinary are: Lightning Strike. Bird Strike* Technical Issues.

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An 'extraordinary circumstance' is a situation in which there is the airline is not responsible for the problems with the flight. This includes the following situations: Extreme weather conditions during the flight, such as heavy fog or a storm. Natural disasters, such as a volcanic ash cloud.

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This is called “denied boarding compensation” or “DBC” for short. Most bumped passengers who experience short delays on flights will receive compensation equal to double the one-way price of the flight they were bumped from, but airlines may limit this amount to up to $775.

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Delayed Flights
However, federal law does not require airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when flights are delayed. So if your trip is delayed and you end up stuck in the airport, any hotel rooms, meal vouchers or other monetary compensation will be given at the discretion of the airline.

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There's no official requirement for passengers to receive a refund or reimbursement as a result of a flight delay, though the DOT's delay and cancellation dashboard can help travelers better understand what they're entitled to.

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When an EU261 flight is canceled, you have the same claim for compensation as when a flight is delayed. Similar to flight delay compensation amounts, you are entitled to reimbursement when a EU261-covered flight is canceled of up to 600 euros ($645).

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Delayed Flights
However, federal law does not require airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when flights are delayed. So if your trip is delayed and you end up stuck in the airport, any hotel rooms, meal vouchers or other monetary compensation will be given at the discretion of the airline.

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To find out why you are facing a flight delay, you can visit the airline's website. If bad weather conditions cause the delay, you will know. If the flight gets delayed after you arrive at the airport, you should ask the gate agent for the cause of the flight delay.

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There's no official requirement for passengers to receive a refund or reimbursement as a result of a flight delay, though the DOT's delay and cancellation dashboard can help travelers better understand what they're entitled to. DOT has not specifically defined 'significant delay,' the site says.

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In short, the Passengers' Bill of Rights is a piece of legislation that would provide legal protection for fliers in the cases of delays, cancellations, lost baggage, and “junk fees” (in the words of President Joe Biden).

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If airlines cancel a flight for any reason, passengers are legally entitled to a full refund, including for ticket price, taxes, baggage fees, extra charges and ancillary fees. Travelers must receive that refund within seven business days if they paid by credit card, and within 20 days if by cash or check.

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Fifth Freedom of The Air - the right or privilege, in respect of scheduled international air services, granted by one State to another State to put down and to take on, in the territory of the first State, traffic coming from or destined to a third State (also known as a Fifth Freedom Right).

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