Storm Emma: are you entitled to compensation?

The United Kingdom is currently being crippled by, what some people have deemed, “the Beast from the East”. Storm Emma is conjuring up copious amounts of snow; which is affecting most UK airports, especially ones in Ireland and Southern Britain. As this is the worst weather Britain has seen in nearly 30 years, even the army has been called in to assist. You can then imagine that there’s an absolute travel chaos going on across the nation.

Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet have all been forced into cancelling their flights. The most afflicted airline, however,  is British Airways  with over 200 flights cancelled. In total, an estimated 100,000 passengers have had their flight from, to, or within the UK cancelled. While carriers have had to stop their operations, many airports have also opted to close altogether. Glasgow Airport for example even issued an alert on their website:

A severe amber warning advising against all but essential travel has been issued by the Met Office and will remain in place until tomorrow morning. In light of this and the impact it is having on passengers and staff, including airline staff, travelling to and from the airport we will remain closed for the rest of the day. This decision has been taken with safety of passengers and staff in mind.

It’s important to note that these adverse weather conditions do not entitle you to compensation as they are considered to be ‘extraordinary circumstances’. As the airline cannot predict or manage the situation, sadly, no compensation is due. However, you can still request a refund for the cost of your (partially) unused ticket. Alternatively, if you are determined to reach your final destination as soon as possible, the airline should offer you a seat on the first available flight they have. Whether that is the same day; the next; or as is in this case, probably later on.

Did your flight have other issues that caused its delay or cancellation? Check out our Claim Calculator!