A financial expert is warning people going on holiday that they may not be told by airlines about compensation they could get if their flight is unfortunately delayed or cancelled – and explains exactly how to make sure they get paid
A money-saving expert has spoken out about exactly how to get compensation if you have a flight that gets delayed or cancelled.
As summer is here, many of us will be escaping the dull UK weather to a warmer setting. Many of us will have spent all year saving up for a trip, or are counting down the days till we can step on an aeroplane and enjoy a well needed break. But, unfortunately sometimes things don’t always go to plan when it comes to travel – from long queues, to delays, cancellations, or even baggage issues – it’s not the start you want to your holiday.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, a whopping 282,207 flights are due to depart the UK over June, July and August. But busier airports means traffic congestion could delay flights. Other factors such as weather can affect flight times too. A former Walt Street worker and viral money-savvy content creator, Vivian Tu – known as ‘your rich BFF’ – says you can get paid for flight delays.
The successful woman, who has 2.5million Instagram followers and regular shares advice on finances, explained: “If your flight gets delayed or cancelled, make sure you get what you are owed!” The New Yorker added: “I love a European vacation as much as the next person but this [summer travel chaos] is all a real possibility, so I’m going to show you how to get money back in your wallet if your flight to and from the EU gets delayed.”
The self-made millionaire, who often travels, continued: “The EU cares way more about its citizens than anywhere else and it shows because they allow you to claim anywhere between 250 to 600 euros as passenger compensation if your flight arrives late. Flight within the EU, out of the EU, or into the EU with an EU carrier are covered.”
The New York Times best selling author and TikTok star claims that all you need to do is email the airline with your name, flight number, note how long the delay was, and “cite EU Regulation 261/2004”. Vivian suggested that if you’re at the airport and facing delays or cancellations, you can ask the airline desk “for a pamphlet” which explains how to do this.
“Airlines aren’t going to usually offer this up unless you point blank ask,” Vivian claims. “Airlines might now tell you but I will,” she added.
A number of people commented on her explainer video, and said it worked for them. Sharing their experience, one individual said: “Yes I’ve done this. The process is easy but long. Save all receipts, old/new flight info and submit them. Many EU carriers also have an online submission portal. Some will also offer transport to and from hotels for over night delays and food vouchers. They [airlines] will not tell you.”
One other added: “High possibility of flight delays during high seasons. Thanks very much for sharing!” “This worked for me, twice,” wrote another. “Awesome information,” said a fourth.
One other shared: “Thank you so much, Vivian! Yesterday my family flew out of Europe with a four hour delay and I would never have known, except I’d just seen this video!
“Now the airlines owes us €2,400 [approximately £2,030]. Thank you and you’re right, no one said a word, they just left a stack of passengers rights paper on the counter. I grabbed one and it said 600 euros [approximately £508] per person.”
Do you have a travel story? Get in touch at Lucy.Marshall@reachplc.com.
