Winter fog snarling air travel? Here's what you should do if your flight is cancelled

Chaos unleashed as things go beyond flight delays for commuters at Delhi Airport

On January 14 and 15, over 400 flights were delayed, multiple flights cancelled and several were diverted from Delhi due to poor visibility. As airlines can't control the weather and if a flight is cancelled, they are required to provide refunds for customers whose flights are cancelled.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA's) Civil Aviation Requirement, passengers can claim compensation in case of flight cancellation. As per the law, airlines must furnish passengers with the option of an alternative flight or a complete refund of the ticket fare, coupled with compensation. Moreover, for those travelers who have checked in for their initial flight and are awaiting an alternative, the airline is obligated to supply meals and refreshments.

In the event of a flight delay, the airline is required to provide meals and refreshments. Additionally, they must offer passengers the choice of an alternative flight, a full ticket refund, or, depending on the duration of the delay, arrange hotel accommodation inclusive of transportation.

When airlines expect bad weather to create problems for flights, they give travellers a chance to reschedule their trip a few days prior at no extra cost. A simple Google search of your flight or airline will give you details of the flight's status.

It's better to be stuck at home than a hotel or be stranded in an airport terminal. Hence, use the airline’s app or website to make sure that your flight is on schedule before heading for the airport. Airlines usually cancel flights hours or even days before departure time.

If you're already at the airport, it's time to multi-task to find another flight. Get in line to speak to an airline representative, and or call the airline's helpline to get the right information. It helps to reach out on X (Twitter).

Most airlines rebook passengers on a later flight for no additional charge, but that depends on whether there are empty seats.

If your flight is delayed and you no longer wish to take the trip, or haven't found an alternative, the airline is legally required to refund you the full ticket fare, even if you purchased a non-refundable ticket.

You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn't get to use.

However, if the forecast for weather is poor and you need to make an urgent trip, you must consider booking a backup flight.

If many flights are cancelled or delayed, akin to what happened on January 15, it will be best if you connect with your airline before heading to the airport, so that you can reschedule your travel and not have to wait at the airport.

(With inputs from agencies)