What rights do you have in the event of a flight delay or cancellation?

A "technical issue" with the UK air traffic control system has resulted in major aircraft delays for passengers.

Although hundreds of flights were cancelled, the National Air Traffic Services said on Monday afternoon that the problem had been addressed.

A lot of people were scheduled to return from extended weekend travels overseas on one of the busiest days of the year for flights when the issue first surfaced.

Options on cancellations  

No matter how far in advance the cancellation was made, if your flight is protected by UK legislation, your airline must give you a pick between either a refund or another trip.

Any unused portion of the ticket can be requested for a refund. As a result, if you booked a return ticket and the return journey is cancelled, you can receive your money for that return journey back in full.

Your airline is required to find you another flight if you still wish to fly. You have the right to be put on an alternate form of transportation if it will get you to your destination much faster than the one you had originally planned to use, or if there are other appropriate options.

Food and accommodation?

Airlines are required to offer you additional support until you can fly to your destination if a flight cancellation leaves you stranded abroad or at the airport.

It consists of:

• A sufficient supply of food and beverages (typically in the form of vouchers)
• A means for you to communicate (typically by arranging your calls in advance)
• If you need to stay the night to catch a flight the next day
• No charge for overnight accommodation and transportation to and from the accommodation

You have the right to obtain help on your own and then reimburse yourself if your airline is unable to do so. The Civil Aviation Authority suggests individuals in this situation save their receipts and limit their spending.

Options on delays

In the event that your flight is delayed by more than two hours, you are entitled to the same assistance.

If your flight lands more than three hours late, you can potentially be eligible for compensation. Once more, the sum depends on how far you are flying.

You can receive a full refund if your delay exceeds five hours and you decide against travelling.

Packaged holidays?

You are entitled to either a suitable alternative flight or a full refund if you bought a package trip with a firm that is an ABTA member and your flight is cancelled.

(Sources: investing.com)