Flight Trouble? Know If You Deserve Refund

When you cancel your flight and delay it, or you won't be boarded on the flight, the duty of the airline either to refund your money or to provide an alternate flight without charging you is as follows:

Apart from the above obligations, there are some circumstances (cash, meal, hotel portion, or voucher) in which it would have to provide compensation.

However, the compensation is dependent upon the delay and when it was informed to you. Moreover, whether the delay is the airline's fault (neither weather nor air traffic) will determine its compensation.

✅ When Can You Claim Compensation?

Flight Cancelled
If the notice was not given 24 hours in advance, refund + compensation (up to ₹10,000).

Delayed flight
An injury may occur if there is a delay of more than 3 hours due to a fault on the part of the airline. It may be for providing complimentary meals, accommodation for a night, or even monetary compensation.

Denied Boarding (Overbooking)
Possessing a valid ticket, and they denied you entry — not arranging any alternate flight within 1 hour — in such a case you can claim compensation.

📄 Required:

• Your ticket and proof of ID
• A written complaint to the airline

Unsolved? File a complaint with DGCA's AirSewa portal

Flight Issues – Know Your Rights (FAQs)

1. My airline cancelled the flight. Can I ask for a refund?

Yep, if airlines cancel the flight, they should issue a full refund.

2. What compensation is due for last-minute cancellations?

If notified less than 24 hours in advance, you had up to ₹10,000.

3. What will happen if there is a delay of more than three hours while travelling?

In some instances, meals, snacks, and accommodation may be provided free of charge for guests.

4. How much delay can justify compensation?

Additional compensations are usually applicable for delays beyond 3 hours (under the airline's fault).

5. What will be the compensation if there is a delay caused by bad weather?

No compensation would be provided for a non-controllable cause such as bad weather or an air traffic jam.

6. Will a hotel accommodate me when I have a nighttime flight delay?

All such delays excused by the airline must be covered by the airline through hotel and transport arrangements.

7. What will be the compensation if I am denied boarding?

If the flight has been overbooked but a seat is unavailable for you, the airline will then pay you some sum up to ₹20,000 or even more.

8. I was on my way to attend an important meeting, but the flight was delayed. Can I sue now?

Yes, but if it is not notified to the passenger appropriately, a complaint can be filed under the Consumer Protection Act.

9. What happens if the delay causes me to miss the subsequent connecting flight?

The airline would be required to rebook or compensate for the missed subsequent flight if both flights were booked together.

10. Can I present an alternative to my refund and instead ask for a new flight?

Yes, indeed. It is either refunding money or providing an alternate flight. Subject to availability.

11. How will I claim information from the airline to seek compensation?

First, you have to write the complaint to the airline customer service, and if ignored, escalate to the DGCA.

12. Where can I file a complaint?

You can also file complaints online through the AirSewa portal of the DGCA (https://airsewa.gov.in/).

13. Will I get a refund if my flight is cancelled?

If a ticket is refundable or the cancellation is during an allowed time period, it is a yes.

14. Compensation for the delay of merely an hour?

In general, no compensation is given for a delay of less than 2 to 3 hours.

15. The airline does not seem serious about helping. What next?

Make a complaint with the DGCA or with the Consumer Forum along with the ticket and the proof of delay or cancellation.

16. I booked a ticket with the help of a travel agent. Who will refund me?

The refund is made through the airline, but the agent should pass it to you.

17. Do I need some documents to claim compensation?

Keep tickets, boarding passes, and proof of delay/cancellation (SMS or email).

18. Can I get my compensation in vouchers instead of cash?

Some airlines do have vouchers for such things, but depending on how things go, you can demand a refund or cash.

19. Can complaints be made timely?

Complaints must be made within 30 days of the flight in question.

20. Does this rule apply to all airlines in the country?

Yes, that holds true for all domestic and international airlines engaging in the business.