Flight delays, cancellations, compensation & more: Air travelers have rights during disruptions— government rules explained

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has provided for extensive rights and protections of air travelers. It gives clear guidelines on flight delays, cancellations, baggage, ticket management among other things.These provisions become significant to understand to ensure consumer rights especially after the recent flight disruption crisis. Here’s a glimpse at certain key provisions to ensure passenger convenience:

Compensation rulesThe Ministry has laid down regulations regarding compensation and assistance for disrupted flights, such as:Delays: Passengers are entitled to free meals in flights delayed between 2 to 4 hours, while alternative flights or refunds have to be given for flights that are delayed for over 6 hours. Meanwhile, in case of delays beyond 24 hours, hotel accommodation needs to be provided.Cancellations: The compensation offered varies from Rs 5,000 for 1-hour cancellation to Rs 10,000 for over 2 hours delay.Overbooking: Airlines are required to provide alternate flights within one hour. Additionally, compensation worth a maximum of Rs.20,000 is given for delayed rebooking after more than 24 hours.Accessibility and emergenciesThere are certain safety guidelines when it comes emergency or unprecedented situations, such as: Disability rights: Airlines cannot refuse service to passengers with disabilities. They must provide assistive devices, accessible seating, and prior support, provided the passenger has given 48-hour prior notice.Medical emergencies: Airlines are required to provide medical assistance, including doctors, paramedics, or ambulance services.Flight diversions: The passengers are entitled to disembarkation and refreshments, depending on the waiting time.Baggage and liabilityThe charter defines compensation limits for lost or damaged baggage and cargo, such as:Domestic: Rs 20,000 per passenger for baggage, Rs 350 per kg for cargo.International: 1,131 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) for baggage, 19 SDR per kg for cargo.Fatality: Fatality liability means the compensation an airline must pay to a passenger’s family in case of death during air travel. It is set at Rs 20 lakh for domestic flights, while for international flights it is 113,100 SDRTicket management and refundsPassengers have the ability to cancel and/or reschedule their tickets for a full refund of all the taxes and fees. This comes with a 24-hour free cancellation window up to 7 days before the flight. Refund timelines are immediate for cash payments and up to seven days for credit card transactions.Protections and escalationThe rules cover also covers exceptions due to strikes, weather, security, or air traffic control issues. The passengers can complain about the matter to the help desk, Air Sewa app, or any statutory authority. The additional benefits specified for the passengers are free Wi-Fi at all airports, with the right to written notice about their rights.