Why are flights delayed?

If you are going on vacation with your family or friends, there will always be a designated Trip Planner. Sometimes that means someone who books the accommodation and checks out cool restaurants and tourist attractions. Other times, if they are particularly Type A (and usually a firstborn child), they might be a more seasoned veteran in the Trip Planning industry. If this is the case, they likely have an Excel sheet with a detailed schedule for your holidays that leave no room for mishaps or misfortune — with even your ‘relaxation time’ programmed to the minute. This person’s biggest nightmare? Flight issues.

If you identify with this character, you’re probably searching this up from your seat at your gate, scrambling to alter your plans. Worry not, that’s where we come in! Cancelled and delayed flights can seem to wreak havoc on your travel plans, but it’s important to stay calm and remember the golden rule of last-minute flight delays and cancellations: ASK WHY!

Why is my flight delayed? 

Planes can be delayed for many reasons, but depending on what it is, the next steps can change. Here are some of the most common reasons for flight delays and cancellations: 

• Weather issues such as strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning, rain, etc. 
• Airline operational issues (previous flight was delayed, for example)
• Technical aircraft issues 
• Air traffic control regulations
• Airport staff strikes 
• Airline staff strikes
• Bird collisions

Less common reasons for flight delays and cancellations: 

• Security threats
• Political instability in country of departure or arrival 
• Natural disasters 
• Unruly or ill passengers 
• Ill crew (sick pilots, for example)

Odds are one of these reasons matches the cause of your flight being delayed, but why is that important? These are things you need to know because it could determine whether you are eligible for compensation. 

Wait… I can get compensation for my delayed flight?

Hey, what kind of Trip Planner would you be if you didn’t know this? Always prepare for the worst! 

What matters is that the current legislation says you are only entitled to flight compensation is cases of delays over 3 hours (upon arrival) so long as the delay can be directly attributed to the airline. 

This means if the airline could have avoided it, you can get paid for it! So, from the previous list, you could get compensation for you and your travel companions if your flight was delayed due to: 

• Airline operational issues 
• Airline staff strikes
• Technical aircraft issues
• Ill crew

Okay, I asked the staff about why my flight was delayed, now what? 

If they admit right away that the delay was their fault, you’re already golden. Submit a claim for your flight compensation right away!

If they said ‘weather’ or something else, remember it could always be a lie. It is not in their interest to have to compensate hundreds of passengers for an avoidable issue, and they know most passengers won’t or can’t go out of their way to check if the reason is true.

So what do I do if my flight is delayed? 

Submit your flight details via the free Claim Calculator and get a free in-depth assessment of your flight will tell you if and how much compensation you are entitled to in a matter of seconds! 

Want more details? Check out our blog about what to do if your flight is delayed!

We hope this was helpful and that you’re still able to add a Flight Disruption column to your Excel sheet. From the Flight-Delayed Team, we wish you smoother travels in the future!

And remember, stay calm and ASK WHY!