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In the past seven days, more than 120 flights have received bomb threats. As a result, these flights were delayed by one to five hours. Today as well, airlines received a threatening email. In such cases, if someone wants to cancel their ticket, will they receive a full refund? Or, if your flight is delayed due to a bomb threat, what services is the airline obligated to provide you? Find out in this article.
To understand this let's get onto the terms and conditions. While booking the tickets, airlines always ask you to agree to the terms and conditions regarding cancellations and refunds. Most of the time, after you cancel your ticket, you receive only a nominal refund-sometimes even no refund at all. Here, we will inform you about the rules by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) related to refunds.
Let me take you through various scenarios and explain the rules:
Before we proceed, please note that airlines have no obligation to compensate if the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances. You can find a list of extraordinary circumstances at the end of this article.
1. If the Flight is Delayed by Less than 24 Hours
In this case, you are not eligible for a refund. However, you are entitled to free meals and refreshments provided by the airline while they make alternative arrangements.
2. If the Flight is Delayed by More than 24 Hours
In this situation, you are entitled to hotel accommodation with transfers.
In both of the above cases, if you choose not to travel on an alternate or subsequent flight (or on another airline's flight), you are eligible for a full refund. Your refund will be processed by the airline in accordance with CAR Section 3, Series M, Part II. If you booked the ticket directly from the airline, you will receive the refund within 7 working days. However, if the ticket was booked through an agent, the refund may take longer, depending on the agent or aggregator's website.
3. What If Changes Happen After You've Checked In?
If you have checked in on time and then find out that the flight is delayed or canceled, the above rules will still apply.
4. If the Alternative Flight is More Expensive
Let's say you booked your ticket in economy class with a discount and got a cheap price. In case your flight is delayed and the airline's alternative arrangement is more expensive, you are not required to pay any extra charge. If the airline staff asks for additional charges, you can file a complaint with the DGCA.
5. If You Report on Time and the Alternative Flight is Delayed
If you arrived on time to get your boarding pass, and the flight is delayed with alternative arrangements made by the airline, you are entitled to free meals even if the alternate flight is also delayed. These meals do not have to be served during the flight-you can request free meals at the waiting lounge as well.
Once again, please note that you will not be entitled to compensation if you don't accept alternate travel arrangements offered by the airline or if the cancellation occurs due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control.
List of Extraordinary Circumstances of Delay in Flights:
- Natural disasters
- Civil war
- Political instability
- Security risks
- Insurrection, riot, flood, explosion, etc.
- Government regulations or orders affecting the aircraft
- Strikes and labor disputes causing cessation
- Meteorological conditions
- Cancellations and delays attributable to Air Traffic Control (ATC)
- Slowdowns, interruptions of work, or any other causes beyond the airline's control that affect their ability to operate flights on schedule
Finally, please note that, the Bomb Threat is beyond the control of the airlines. So, you won't get the full refund in case of cancellation or delay. Well, according to DGCA rules, the airline is required to provide you with information on rescheduling or cancellations of your flight as far in advance as possible from the scheduled time of departure. However, this is only possible if you provide the correct mobile number to receive updates regarding your boarding.
We hope this article helps ensure a smooth journey. Have a wonderful trip!
