Can you claim compensation for flights and trains delayed or cancelled by Storm Ciara? – The Sun

STORM Ciara has swept across the UK with winds and rain disrupting trains and flights for travellers – and it's set to continue today too.

Rail passengers were this morning warned to check if their trains were running before attempting to travel.

While all of the UK's airports have warned of delays and cancellations due to the bad weather.

But what are your rights if flights and trains are delayed or cancelled due to the storm?

Below we explain everything you need to know.

Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled following Storm Ciara?

When a flight is due to depart from an EU airport, regardless of the airline, or where an EU airline is due to land at an EU airport you are covered by EU flight delay and cancellation rules.

This still applies to British travellers for now, even after Brexit.

When your flight is cancelled, you're entitled to an alternative flight or a full refund – and this includes a refund for the return leg.

If you opt for an alternative flight it’s up to you whether to fly as soon as possible after the cancelled flight or at a later date.

If you opt for a later flight, you are also entitled to care and assistance.

This usually means food, drink, access to communication – for example this could be by refunding the reasonable cost of phone calls – and accommodation if you have to stay overnight.

Your airline may give you a voucher for this in the airport or you may need to pay yourself and reclaim the cash later – in this case, make sure you hold on to receipts.

If you were due to travel outside the EU, contact your airline as what you're entitled to will vary.

Can I get a refund if my flight is delayed by Storm Ciara?

If your flight has been delayed for more than five hours and it's an EU flight, then you are entitled to a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

You will also get a refund for any unused parts of your booking – for example the return flight – and a flight back to your departure airport if you’ve already completed part of your journey.

If you opt for this, just keep in mind that you'll generally no longer be entitled to any further care and assistance.

Can I get compensation if my flight is delayed or cancelled by Storm Ciara?

Generally, you don't have a right to claim additional compensation if the cause of the delay or cancellation is bad weather, such as with Storm Ciara.

The problem is that compensation is only due for issues within the airline's control.

But there are a few cases where you may wish to pursue a claim.

For example, if you are told you can't fly due to Storm Ciara but other flights are departing then you may want to raise this with the airline.

The airline doesn't have to compensate you if you're told about a delay or cancellation at least two weeks in advance.

It also doesn't have to provide compensation if flights are cancelled and rerouted between one and two weeks of the day you're supposed to leave, plus it gets you to your destination no more than four hours late.

If the delay is the airline's fault, you can get up to £508 (€600) in compensation if you arrive at your destination more than four hours late.

Can I claim on travel insurance?

Flight delays and cancellations may be covered by your travel insurance – as well as associated costs, such as transport and accommodation.

But before submitting a claim, double check the excess fee because it will eat into any refund you get.

Can I get compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled by Storm Ciara?

Getting to work on time using public transport can be a struggle even without Storm Ciara.

You may be able to get compensation for train journeys that have been delayed or cancelled by severe weather, but you'll need to apply as you won't get it automatically.

Most train companies have adopted "Delay Repay", a national scheme used to compensate you for unexpected delays even if you are a weekly, monthly or season ticket holder – and sometimes this includes bad weather.

Passengers are entitled to compensation each time for any delay of 30 minutes or more, while season ticket holders need to submit claims for compensation for delays on specific trains.

You will need to apply for compensation from the specific rail company directly and how much you are entitled to varies with different companies.

Although generally, you'll get a full refund of the cost of a single journey if you're delayed by 60-119 minutes.

While you'll get a full refund on a return journey if you're delayed even further.

You can find out details from different rail companies on the National Rail website.

Brits are braced for blizzards, eight inches of snow and 60mph gales to batter the country today after Storm Ciara has left a trial of destruction.

Met Office forecasters have issued severe warnings for snow, gales and ice.

Meanwhile, this is the shocking moment a child is blown into the road as parents take kids for a stroll in the 97mph storm.

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