Flight Late? Your Comprehensive Guide To Passenger Rights

In the dynamic world of air travel, disruptions like flight delays, cancellations, and denied boardings have become an inevitable part of the passenger experience. Social media is buzzing with videos capturing frustrated passengers confronting ground staff at various airports, highlighting the multifaceted challenges contributing to these disruptions, including aircraft shortages, weather issues, and crew shortages.

November witnessed a staggering 2.69 lakh passengers compensated for flight delays, with an additional 40 thousand passengers compensated for cancellations and 1231 for denied boarding incidents. Amidst this chaos, it becomes crucial for passengers to understand their rights and avenues for compensation.

DGCA Regulations: Your Shield in Turbulent Times
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring passenger rights through the implementation of Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR). These regulations address cases of delayed flights, cancellations, and overbookings, placing the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the operating airline.

Denied Boarding Dilemmas
In the event of denied boarding, where more passengers are booked than the flight's capacity, the airline must first seek volunteers. If involuntary denial occurs, the airline is obligated to arrange an alternate flight within an hour or compensate the passenger with an amount equal to 200% of the booked one-way fare. This escalates to 400% if the alternative is more than 24 hours later, capped at INR 20,000.

Cancellation Conundrums
For cancellations, the airline is expected to inform passengers at least two weeks before the travel date, providing alternatives or refunds. Last-minute cancellations within 24 hours trigger similar compensation scenarios, with the airline responsible for providing meals, refreshments, and accommodation.

Delay Dilemmas
Flight delays, a common woe, demand specific actions from airlines. Passengers facing delays beyond two hours are entitled to refreshments or meals. Extended delays of over 24 hours or those departing between 2000 hrs and 0300 hrs mandate accommodation provision.

Navigating the Regulatory Maze
Despite the DGCA's efforts to address various considerations, loopholes persist. Airlines are exempted from compensation for delays caused by factors like Air Traffic Control, security, natural disasters, and political issues. This exemption, while well-intentioned, leaves room for exploitation, especially when factors like Air Traffic Control are not clearly defined.

Furthermore, airlines manipulating flight delays by staggering them over a few hours at a time pose a challenge. Transparency remains a critical factor, as passengers grapple with the consequences of disrupted travel plans.

As we bid adieu to 2023 and usher in 2024, understanding your rights as a passenger becomes paramount. Navigating the intricate web of regulations ensures that you are not only informed but also empowered in the face of air travel uncertainties.