We can’t think life today without flights- be it for leisure or for business. Flying have become an indispensable part of our lives these days for education abroad, for medical emergencies, for many more reasons.
Hence, it’s necessary that we understand that flight delays and even cancellations are inevitable part of travelling. Keeping yourself informed about why delays may happen and when & how much you’re compensated for, is pertinent.
Nevertheless, it can be very stressful and confusing. Doubts on whether you’ll be able to reach timely or why is it delayed or even how often; erupt in our minds.
There are some very common reasons for delay, you need to consider before taking flights to South America from UK or to elsewhere. Let’s take a look at them:
- Bad weather conditions:-It takes extreme weather conditions such as hurricane, tornadoes, or blizzard to delay the flights. Modern aircrafts can withstand bad weather like thunder storms.
- Decreased visibility:-ATC may hold the flights due to lower visibility.
- Mechanical trouble:-The aircraft has to be checked before taking off and if there’s any mechanical hitch, it delays the departure. But you will compensated; with certain terms and conditions.
- Damage of windshield:-While on air, large birds or other objects bounce off the windshield. After landing, it is checked for any damage. This may cause delays in other flights.
- Waiting on cargo:-The plane will be delayed if the cargo is delayed (say on cheap flights to Winnipeg).
- Delay of other flights:-If one plane is delayed the connecting flights are also delayed; the effect being referred to as “knock on” effect.
- Weight restrictions:-Delay may happen if the luggage weight is more than the specified weight. Authorities make sure no complications happen in air due to this. The offenders here are the passengers.
- Crew problems:-If someone from the crew has taken ill; finding an alternative may cause delay. Also sometimes, airport authorities or crew go on strike, which may cause delays.
- Security measures:-If there is the potential for bodily harm, or there is a national or international security issue, air traffic control and the flight authority in the country you’re in can cancel or delay flights.
- Mishaps in airports:- Runways get flooded or covered with snow; clearing of which takes time.
- Air Traffic Control (ATC):- There are flights departing and arriving every second in the airports; which is increasing every year. So in very busy airports like London Heathrow, chances of delay could be more, say on cheap Chicago tickets, London.
- Recently, some delays have been taking place due to checking of temperatures, covid19 certificates, etc. before boarding cheap flights to Dallas (for example).
Departures happen on time almost 80% of the time. Don’t worry even if you have seen the D word next to your flight on the departures board: Flight delayed.
Because the good news is that; you can claim up to £520 in compensation, if the delay is the airline’s fault. Associate with agents such as White Magic Travels to help you through these situations.