New Delhi. What happens if your flight is suddenly delayed, gate changes or canceled without notice? Most people keep running here and there in a hurry, but the interesting thing is that in this chaos of the airport, some of your firm rights are also hidden, about which very few people know. Let us know when which right is given? When will you get free food and drinks, when will you get a hotel and when will the airline give you up to Rs 10,000?
Question 1. I am at the airport and the flight is late. What should I get?
Answer- If you have checked-in on time, then DGCA rules decide your rights. The rules for free food and drinks vary depending on how long the flight is. If you have checked in-
More than 2 hours late (short flight) → Free food and water
More than 3 hours late (medium flight) → Free food and water
More than 4 hours late (long flight) → Free food and water
Late by more than 6 hours → Either give another flight within 6 hours or refund the full amount.
Question 2. If the delay is overnight, will I get a hotel?
Answer- Will get it, but there is a condition!
- If the delay is due to the airline’s fault (no pilot, crew shortage, technical problem) → Free hotel + transportation will have to be arranged.
- If there is weather, fog, safety reasons or natural disaster → the airline may refuse to provide the hotel (legally).
Tip: If the airline says ‘due to fog’ then do not remain silent. Ask and give the reason in writing, because many times they escape by lying.
Question 3. The flight was cancelled. Will Rs 5,000–10,000 be given as compensation?
Answer- Yes, you will get it. If the airline did not inform you about flight cancellation at least two weeks in advance. Compensation is dependent on your flight timings:
Flight up to 1 hour: Rs 5,000
1–2 hours: Rs 7,500
More than 2 hours: Rs 10,000
Apart from this → Full refund will be given in any case.
Question 4. Can I get a refund and book a ticket from another airline?
Answer- Yes, absolutely. If the flight is canceled or delayed by more than 6 hours, you can refuse the airline’s offer and get a full refund.
When will I get the refund?
Cash/Bank: Instant
Credit Card: within 7 days
Travel agent: You will have to claim from them yourself
Question 5. How much will I get if my luggage is lost or broken?
Answer- Domestic flight: Maximum Rs 20,000 and International flight: Approximately Rs 1.2 lakh
Question 6. The airline is not listening? Where should I complain?
AirSewa App/Portal: airsewa.gov.in
DGCA Nodal Officer: Present at most major airports
