Airport delays and flight cancellations across the country show no sign of stopping, as officials blame the critical staff shortage, COVID-19 and extreme weather conditions.
Key points:
- Time and staff shortages have been to blame for the delays
- Most airlines offer alternative flights, accommodation or refunds
- Stranded passengers can also contact insurance providers or consumer watchdogs for assistance.
In Sydney, staff shortages, flooding and school holidays combined to cause long delays and queues stretching across the terminal this week.
Friday is expected to be the busiest day at airports across the country since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with school holidays starting in South Australia and Tasmania and ending in Queensland and Victoria.
The executive director of the Australian Airports Association, James Goodwin, said the cancellations were “a matter for the airlines”.
National Secretary of Transportation Workers Union Michael Kaine said “poor conditions” and “chronically overworked” aviation staff meant delays “would become our new normal”.
“The traveling public should expect chaos and confusion to continue indefinitely, not just during peak rush hours, if aviation work continues to be undervalued and unsafe,” he said.
In a joint statement last week, Qantas and Jetstar said they had recruited more than 1,000 team members and put more staff on hold to meet demand.
What are my rights when my flight is canceled?
It depends on your airline, how long the delay is and what caused the delay.
For Qantas flights, the airline will re-book you the next available flight and give you a meal voucher or a refund.
If your delay is overnight, you will be provided with accommodation or a refund of up to $ 200 per room booked.
You can only get a refund if:
- Qantas cannot offer you a suitable alternative solution for a canceled or delayed flight
- you must cancel the trip completely due to the delay
- the delay causes you to miss a Qantas connection flight.
Jetstar will offer a meal voucher or a refund if the delay is overnight. They also offer accommodation or up to a refund of $ 150 per room.
Virgin Australia will attempt to transfer you to another Virgin flight or another airline flight to the same destination.
If your alternative doesn’t work, you’ll need to contact your guest contact center or your travel agent for credit or a refund.
Regional Express (Rex) offers refunds, credit or transfer on the next flight.
Most airlines have their clearing policy on their website.
Your airline will let you know what you are entitled to. (ABC News: Sally Eeles)
My flight has been delayed a few hours, what can I do?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says airlines should not guarantee flight schedules.
If you need to be at a destination at a specific time for an event or to catch a connecting flight, this is where travel insurance comes in.
Check to see if your provider covers any unexpected interruptions to your travel plans.
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What if I’m still not happy with the airline?
If your flight has been canceled and you are not satisfied with the way the airline operates, there are still options for you.
Make a note of the airline’s conversations or emails and contact your travel insurance provider.
File a complaint with your state’s Consumer Protection Agency (Queensland Office of Fair Trading, NT Consumer Affairs, NSW Fair Trading, etc.) and consider reporting the matter to the ACCC if necessary.
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