When a Flight Delay or Cancellation is Caused by the Airline

Having worked for an airline for almost 15 years, I've seen a lot of the unavoidable reality of air travel - flights will delay or cancel. There are two types really - ones that the airline is responsible for (like a mechanical issue), and ones that an airline is not responsible for (like weather - an all-too-common source of flight delays and cancellations at this time of year.

What makes weather delays or cancellations different is that the airlines consider these an act of god or a force majeure, in effect the airline is not required to compensate you when weather is a factor (other things are also considered a force majeure, but weather-related is by far the most common).

Things are a lot different if a flight delays or cancels because of the airline: whether it be a mechanical or staffing problem. In the United States, for many airlines, Rule 240 is there to protect you...if you know your rights. Low cost airlines are not included, neither are flights that originate outside of the U.S.. However, although 240 doesn't exist in other countries, it doesn't mean that you aren't entitled to compensation. But again, if you are traveling a low cost or charter airline, you may be out of luck.

To know a bit more about Rule 240, and what to do if your flight delays or cancels then read through - Flights Canceled, Delayed and Rule 240