First, do these three things at the airport — before you argue about money:
- Get the delay or cancellation in writing. Ask the airline desk for a delay certificate or take a screenshot of the official app notification with the flight number and revised time.
- Keep every boarding pass, booking confirmation and receipt for meals, hotel or transport you had to pay for.
- Message us while you are still at the airport. Rebooking options shrink by the minute, and we can often get you on an earlier alternative before the gate closes.
What you are entitled to in India (DGCA rules)
| Situation | Airline must provide | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Delay of 2–3 hours (domestic) | Meals and refreshments | No cash compensation |
| Delay of 3–6 hours (domestic) | Meals, and a replacement flight or full refund if you choose not to fly | No cash compensation unless you opt for a refund |
| Delay beyond 6 hours (domestic) | Meals, hotel accommodation if the delay is overnight, and a full refund if you do not fly | No statutory cash compensation in India |
| Cancellation notified less than 2 weeks before departure | Alternative flight or full refund | Compensation if an alternative is not accepted (as per CAR Section 3 rules) |
| Denied boarding due to overbooking | Alternative flight or refund | Up to 400% of the basic fare plus taxes, capped at ₹20,000 |
| Delay or cancellation caused by extraordinary circumstances | Reasonable assistance | No compensation (weather, ATC, security, civil unrest) |
India does not have the EU's fixed-cash model for ordinary delays. The real value usually comes from the refund, rebooking and your travel insurance — not from statutory cash compensation.
If you are flying to or from the EU / UK
- EU Regulation 261/2004: delays of 3+ hours on arrival can entitle you to €250–€600 depending on distance, unless the cause was extraordinary.
- UK261: similar protections for UK departures and UK carriers.
- Claim with the operating airline, in writing, within the limitation period (often up to 3 years — check the country).
- Claims agencies typically take 25–35% commission. Filing yourself is free and usually straightforward if you attach the delay evidence.
Your travel insurance payout
- Delay benefit: a fixed amount (typically $100–$500) after a qualifying delay of 6–12 hours, plus meal and hotel costs.
- Missed connection: reimburses additional transport to catch up with your itinerary.
- Trip delay at origin: covers prepaid, non-refundable hotel or tour costs you lost.
- Claims need the delay certificate, original receipts and your policy number. Submit within the window stated in the policy — usually 30 days.
A ready e-mail template
Subject: Compensation and refund request — [Flight no.] dated [DD MMM YYYY] Dear [Airline] Customer Relations, Booking reference: XXXXXX Flight: XX 123, [origin] to [destination], scheduled [time] on [date] The flight was delayed by [X hours Y minutes] / cancelled, and passengers were informed only at [time] at [airport]. I was therefore unable to [connect to flight YY 456 / attend a prepaid booking], causing additional costs of INR [amount] (attached receipts). Please confirm in writing: 1. The reason for the delay, for insurance purposes 2. A delay certificate 3. [EU261/UK261 compensation of EUR XXX] / [rebooking or full refund] 4. Reimbursement of documented expenses of INR [amount] Attachments: boarding pass, ticket, delay notification, receipts. Yours sincerely, [Name] · [Phone] · [E-mail]
Five mistakes that cost travellers money
- Leaving the airport without written proof of the delay. Screenshots are evidence; memory is not.
- Accepting vouchers instead of a refund when you no longer want to travel — vouchers often have short validity.
- Not informing your insurer within the claim window. Most policies require notice within 30 days.
- Booking a tight self-transfer (two separate tickets). If the first leg is late, the second airline owes you nothing.
- Waiting months to claim. Airline goodwill budgets shrink as the file ages.
How we help. When a disruption hits a booking made with us, we rebook you first and then handle the paperwork — delay certificate requests, refund filings and insurance documentation. You also get travel insurance on every international booking if you want it.