Should passengers be entitled to compensation from airlines for disrupted plans due to flight delays?

Friday 21st November, 04:00 AM JST

› Login to comment

15 Comments

kavikahi at 04:28 AM JST - 21st November

Airlines do not plan for bad weather, mechanical / etc, quite a different set of circumstances.
Mark_McCracken at 04:56 AM JST - 21st November

A poorly worded question. Weather is beyond the control of airlines, but mechanical delays are an airline's responsibility. Perhaps someone could rewrite this question so that every answer here isn't, "Well, it depends."
OssanAmerica at 05:16 AM JST - 21st November

I think I should be compensated for having to look at a flight attendant that looks like my mother's older cousin for 10+ hours.
Brainiac at 07:36 AM JST - 21st November

It's understandable that frustrated passengers might want compensation, but it is hardly practical. I remember once I missed a relative's wedding because of a flight delay. The airline was willing to pay for overnight accommodation but what was the point? The wedding was over. How could a monetary value be put on that?

Anyway, I've never looked, but I suspect that somewhere in all that tiny fine print on tickets there is a clause limiting an airline's responsibility when it comes to compensation.
nisegaijin at 09:52 AM JST - 21st November

Yes, airlines are in contractual obligations to transport customers to designated destination within certain amount of time. Failure to do so should be resulting in penalty. However, a force major would be present in any contract where natural or political disaster could be a valid reason for delays. Good airlines would guarantee a place to stay and food.
GW at 10:32 AM JST - 21st November

Ossan, close yr eyes

nise, thats force majure

yr welcome
Patrick Smash at 12:27 PM JST - 21st November

No more than JR can be held accountable for some idiot jumping in front of a train in rush hour and causing commuter chaos. Those who want insurance can take it out. No point charging us all extra yet again, coz they won't do this for free.
tmarie at 02:02 PM JST - 21st November

Yes if the reason is their fault. Things like weather, delayed from from other airlines and whatnot certainly aren't their fault but faulty planes, short staff... certainly are. I've had my fair share of issues and only ONCE did I get anything. The only reason why I did was because I bitched at the staff for 4 hours - was stuck in Toronto overnight due to flight delays due to short staff. They paid for the hotel and taxi but didn't even pay for food. I had to take another day of holiday due to it. Was not happy. More so when they said they could do nothing for the first 3 and a half hours of me demanding a hotel room. They agev me ever excuse in the book, refused to help me... Considering the price I paid for the ticket (and the fact they alwasy lose my luggage) I think the least they can do is look after their customer when the problems are caused by them. Tend to think that other airlines should pay for things if they cause you to miss a connecting flights as long as the reasons are the same above.
bigtime_charlie at 06:27 PM JST - 21st November

ossan.....lol......good one
GreatDane at 09:39 PM JST - 21st November

Nisegaijin has hit the spot!
Apsara at 10:36 PM JST - 21st November

It's actually spelled "force majeure" though, so the spot was not quite hit.
Damax6 at 12:55 AM JST - 22nd November

damn skippy they should....tonight i flew in from Fukuoka to Komaki(nagoya)..they jet had 50 seats and some moron confirmed 52 people..JAL was offering at 1st 20,000 cash or 15,000 miles for 2 people to take the next flight...the catch is the flight is TOMMORROW!!!!!... then they after now one budged, they raised it to 30,000 cash still no takers....i was telling them that i would stay in fukuoka for 50,000 cash and 10,000 miles...they refused that FLATLY..hahahahaha. finally they said they would include a place to stay for the night + 30,000...we couldnt move unless 2 peeps rebooked..FINALLY after 35 mins we were in the air.....now someone is staying a comfort inn at JAL,s expenses with 30,000 to drink the night away....
the_sicilian at 10:37 PM JST - 22nd November

I have to travel to/from the US from Okinawa 4 to 6 times a year. The ANA excuse is "We aprogoze for deray due to rate arribal ob air-u-craft".... That is within the airlines control. Also, the delay though customs and immigration at both ends is also a delay I could do without.

Addiu
Sarge at 10:42 PM JST - 22nd November

When my ANA flight was delayed due to a typhoon hovering near Japan, they gave me 10,000 yen.
nikoniko at 11:49 PM JST - 22nd November

If one is truly put in a financial problem over a delay due to computer errors and booking errors, then yes the airlines should compensate. Now when it comes to "natural disasters" and the such, I have a hard time blaming the airlines if delay is due to concern for ppls welfare. I would rather have the option of not heading into severe weather with compensation then taking a chance of doing so and crashing! (anyone from the USA recall NW airlines? ugh sadly I do, and thankfully I am around to say so)