Can I claim compensation because my flight has been cancelled due to weather?

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It's an unfortunate truth that bad weather can have a catastrophic effect on people's travel plans. Heavy snow and other conditions can see hundreds of flights currently cancelled across the country, affecting thousands of travellers – so what are your rights if your flight has been cancelled?

Unfortunately for travellers an airline cannot be held accountable if bad weather affects a flight but delays and knock-on effects could mean travellers are entitled to compensation.

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According to airFair if a flight was delayed as a result of an earlier flight being affected by bad weather or snow, travellers are entitled to claim compensation.

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However, if a flight was directly affected by bad weather or snow, it’s highly unlikely travellers will be entitled to claim compensation.

Travellers will also be entitled to compensation if a flight is delayed for three hours or longer – this will be a fixed amount between €250 (around £175) and €600 (around £520) dependent on length of delay and distance of flight.

Will Smith, head of airFair said: “Despite snow being a grey area for most airlines, we’ve highlighted when passengers are entitled to compensation. No one wants to be delayed or faced with cancellations and it’s important for passengers to know when they can and can’t launch a claim due to bad weather.

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“However, whether people are commuting, travelling for businesses or jetting off to sunnier climates, passengers’ safety is vital. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for the rest of the week, so those who are set to travel should check with their airline before making the journey to the airport.”