How to claim compensation for flight delays with British Airways

If you travel frequently or have had the opportunity to discover the world, chances are you have experienced the quality of service offered by one of the best known airlines: British Airways. Whether you are planning a dream holiday, an important business trip or a spontaneous getaway, British Airways has earned the trust of millions of people seeking a comfortable and safe flight.

However, as with any airline, flight delays can occur. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, air traffic becomes congested or unexpected technical problems arise. We understand that these inconveniences can be frustrating and disruptive to your travel plans. But don’t worry, there are laws and rights in place to protect passengers in the UK when they experience long delays.

Despite this, most people do not claim when delays occur, mainly due to a lack of awareness. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to provide you with information about your rights as a passenger in the event of a delay, as well as practical tips on how to claim British Airways flight delay compensation and deal with the situation in the most effective way. Delays can be inconvenient and complicated, and we are here to help you navigate these situations in a friendly and understanding manner.

How to find out if your delayed British Airways flight is eligible for compensation

British Airways (BA) is one of the world’s best-known airlines. Established in 1974 and based at Waterside, near London Heathrow Airport, British Airways is a full service airline offering both domestic and international flights to many destinations worldwide.

In this regard, British Airways is subject to applicable regulations in the UK and the European Union, such as Regulation EC 261/2004, which protects the rights of passengers in the event of long delays. If you experience a delay on a British Airways flight, it is important that you understand your rights and follow the correct procedures to make a claim for compensation if necessary.

However, before making a claim, you need to establish whether your flight delay is eligible for compensation. The key points to consider are:

1. Length of delay: In general, to be eligible for compensation, the flight must have been delayed for at least 3 hours upon its final arrival. This refers to the moment the aircraft door opens, not the moment it takes off. If the delay meets this criterion, you may be entitled to compensation.
2. Cause of the delay: It is important to note that not all delays are eligible for compensation. If the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions, strikes, security issues or medical emergencies, you may not be entitled to compensation. These situations are considered to be beyond the airline’s control.
3. Route and applicable legislation: Compensation for flight delays is governed by different regulations depending on the route of your flight. If your flight was within the airspace of the United Kingdom or the European Union, Regulation EC 261/2004 applies. You can check the scope of the law at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2004/261/contents. However, if your flight was outside these areas, the rules may be different.
4. Flight time and distance: Compensation may also vary according to the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. Generally, legislation sets different compensation thresholds for short, medium and long distance flights. Make sure you check the specific criteria according to the applicable regulation.
5. Making a claim on time: It is important to make your claim on time. In most cases, you must submit your claim within 6 years of the delayed flight. However, it is advisable to do so as soon as possible to speed up the process.

To obtain an accurate assessment and determine if your delayed British Airways flight is eligible for compensation, it is recommended to visit https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/delays-and-cancellations/delays/  or specific information regarding your case.

Submitting a British Airways flight delay claim

Gathering all relevant information about your delayed flight is the first step. This includes the flight number, scheduled departure and arrival dates and times, and any official communication from the airport or British Airways regarding the delay. It is also advisable to gather any additional evidence to support your claim.

Once you have all the necessary information, you can contact British Airways directly to inform them of the delay and express your intention to make a claim. You can contact them through their customer service department or by using the available communication channels, such as online forms or email. Make sure you provide all relevant details and clearly explain your request for compensation.

Throughout the claim process, it is important to keep a record of your communication with British Airways. Keep copies of any emails, letters or forms you send and the replies you receive. This will allow you to have a record of communication and support your claim if necessary.

If you are struggling with the claims process or would like the help of air passenger rights experts, consider using services such as AirAdvisor. These specialist advisors can provide personalised advice, represent you when dealing with the airline and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Please remember that each case is unique and specific details may vary. It is important to check the terms and conditions that apply to your particular flight and to follow British Airways’ instructions and requirements for making a claim. Use the documentation you have gathered to support your case and seek the compensation you feel is fair.