Despite all the care taken in planning the trip, it is not possible to control some situations. Weather conditions, airport operational failures, and aircraft maintenance can result in a delayed flight, for example
. Faced with this scenario, it is important to know your own rights and to know how to claim them with the company. Next, check out what to do in case of a flight delay.
Scheduled changes
First of all, it's important to say that the airline has the right to change the flight schedule. According to ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), passengers must be informed of the change 72 hours in advance
. This does not mean that the passenger is required to accept the new conditions. If the change exceeds 30 minutes (domestic flight) and one hour (international flights), compared to the original time, and the passenger does not agree with the changes, the airline must offer reaccommodation options and full
reimbursement. These rules also apply when the company makes schedule changes within a period shorter than the 72 hours established by the ANAC. However, it is worth noting that some rules have been adapted because of the pandemic. In this case, the 72-hour deadline became 24 hours during the health crisis.
Unscheduled changes How to
know if the flight was delayed? When the change is not scheduled, it is common to discover the information on the airport screen, but there is no reason to panic: the ANAC has well-defined rules regarding the rights and duties of both the passenger and the company in these situations. Check it out below.
Up to 4 hours late
.ANAC's indications are related to the number of hours a flight has been delayed. Within a period of up to four hours, the airline must provide material assistance to the passenger, with the objective of minimizing discomfort. See what these services are:
- 1 hour late: the company must offer the passenger means of communication, such as internet and telephone;
- 2 hours or more of delay: in addition to the means of communication, the company must offer food through vouchers, snacks and drinks ;
- 4 hours late: in addition to the previous rights, the company must offer accommodation or lodging, guaranteeing transportation to the place and back to the airport. If the passenger has it at their place of residence, the company can only offer transportation
More than 4 hours of delay or cancellation
How long can the flight be delayed? Many hours. For this reason, the ANAC also defined how airlines should proceed when a delayed flight exceeds the four-hour limit or is canceled.
Passenger rights at the departure airport:
- full refund, including boarding fee: the company may suspend material assistance;
- rescheduling the flight to a new date and time, according to the passenger's convenience: the company may suspend material assistance, board the next flight of the same company,
- if there are vacancies: the company
Passenger rights in connection or stopover:
- full reimbursement and return to the airport of origin, at no cost: the company must offer material assistance;
- stay at the airport and reimbursement for the unused section: the company may suspend material assistance;
- boarding the company's next flight or choosing another airline for the destination. The exchange has no cost and can be made if there are vacancies: the company must offer material assistance;
- completion of the trip by another means of transport, for example, bus, van, taxi, among others: the company must provide material assistance,
- reschedule the flight to a new date and time that is convenient for the passenger: the company may suspend
Compensation
Some passengers feel severely hampered in this type of situation and seek compensation for flight delays. If you intend to do this, know that it is important to have some documents that prove the situation
. So how do you prove a flight delay? According to ANAC, information as a reason for the delay, cancellation, and interruption of the service must be provided in writing if the passenger requests it. So remember to secure this document.
In addition, it is important to take photos of the boarding pass, the screen stating the delay and the other passengers waiting. Remember to register complaints at the airline counter and keep receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the delayed flight
or its cancellation. Come to Costa do Sauípe!
Now that you know what to do in case of a delayed flight, it's time to define your next destination and pack your bags. How about discovering the best all-inclusive resort in Bahia? The Costa do Sauípe Resort is ready to welcome you and your family!
Here, you'll find sun, sea, pool and mouth-watering cuisine: all in one place! Check out our promotional packages and come and discover the Bahian coast
