What are passengers entitled to if their flight was affected by fog?

Hundreds of passengers faced cancellations or delays after fog affected their flights at Gatwick Airport on Sunday.

On the airport’s busiest day of the holiday season, many travelers needed assistance or compensation.

Here, the PA news agency answers key questions about how to get help if your flight is affected by fog.

– Which flights are covered by UK consumer law?

Flights operated by an airline departing from a UK airport, flights operated by a UK or European airline arriving at a UK airport, or flights operated by a UK airline arriving at a European airport are covered.

– How long must a flight be delayed before being entitled to assistance?

It depends on the distance of the flight.

For flights less than 1,500 km (932 miles), such as from Glasgow to Amsterdam, the delay is at least two hours.

For flights between 1,500 km (932 miles) and 3,500 km (2,175 miles), such as Manchester to Marrakech, it takes at least three hours.

For flights over 3,500 km (2,175 miles), such as from Heathrow to New York, it takes at least four hours.

– What should this aid include?

A reasonable amount of food and drink (often via vouchers), a means of communication (often by reimbursing the cost of telephone calls), as well as accommodation and transfers if an overnight stay is required.

– What is actually happening?

Airlines often fail to provide this assistance during major disruptions due to being overwhelmed with requests and a lack of available rooms at local hotels.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says that in this scenario, passengers can arrange their own assistance and claim reimbursement of costs from the airline by presenting receipts.

– Does this mean I should book a luxury hotel suite and order champagne?

Airlines are unlikely to reimburse you for this. The CAA advises passengers not to “spend more than is reasonable”.

– How long does the support last?

If a flight is canceled, airlines are required to give you a full refund or get you to your destination if you still want to travel (PA)

Until your flight takes off or you accept a refund after deciding not to travel.

– What if I arrived at my destination?

If a flight is canceled, airlines are required to give you a full refund or get you to your destination if you still want to travel.

Most will rebook you on another of their flights, but you may be eligible to travel with a different airline or mode of transportation if it gets you to your destination much sooner.

Passengers who do this are often required to purchase their own tickets and submit a refund request to their original airline.

– What if I don’t want to travel anymore?

You are entitled to a refund if you were delayed more than five hours.

– Am I entitled to compensation for a delayed flight?

Airlines are only required to pay compensation if the reason for the delay is considered to be within their control, such as a problem with the plane or pilot illness.