The most important facts about “Technical defects in the event of flight delays”
- Technical defects often lead to flight delays or flight cancellations.
- Passengers are often entitled to up to £520 compensation in the event of delays.
- Most technical defects are not considered exceptional circumstances.
- Airlines must prove that they could not have prevented the defect.
- Compensation claims also exist for delays outside Europe.
- Collect evidence and have the delay confirmed in writing in order to secure claims.
- Flightright ensures you a higher chance of success in enforcing your compensation.
Did you have a flight delay or cancellation? Check your rights now and increase your chances of compensation
Flight delays are a common annoyance for travelers around the world. They can occur for a variety of reasons, including bad weather, traffic problems and even technical faults.
In recent years, however, airlines have been increasingly confronted with problems related to technical defects. These can range from minor incidents such as faulty seats or entertainment systems to more serious problems such as engine failures or brake problems. Such incidents can lead to significant delays and disrupt passengers’ travel plans.
But what are passengers’ rights if their flight is delayed due to a technical fault? Here is some important information that can help you get a judgment to receive compensation of up to £520 for your inconvenience.
Technical defect has delayed your flight? Claim your compensation of up to £520 now!
What are technical defects in aircraft and how do they affect flights?
Technical defects in aircraft can affect various components of the aircraft, including the engines, electronic systems, hydraulic systems and other important parts. These defects can occur for a variety of reasons, including wear and tear, poor maintenance or manufacturing defects.
Such defects can lead to severe disruptions in flight operations. If a technical fault is discovered before departure, the flight may be postponed indefinitely while the problem is rectified. In other cases, the flight may have to turn back or make an emergency landing during operations due to a technical defect.
In any case, these problems can lead to considerable delays and disrupt passengers’ travel plans.
What types of technical defects often lead to flight delays or cancellations?
- Failure of one or more engines
- Error in the on-board computer
- Cracks in the wings
- Defective tires
- Failure of the weather radar
- Electronic faults (e.g. radio failure in the aircraft)
- Fault in the hydraulic system
- Failure of the ventilation or heating
- Failure of the lighting
- Clogged or defective on-board toilet
When is a technical defect considered an exceptional circumstance?
According to the UK261 Regulation, airlines are not obliged to compensate passengers if a technical defect is considered an “extraordinary circumstance”. This means that the airline must prove that it has taken all reasonable measures to avoid the defect or minimise its effects.
As a rule, technical defects are not considered exceptional circumstances by the courts unless they are due to unforeseeable events such as sabotage or terrorist attacks
This means that in most cases airlines can be held liable for delays or cancellations due to technical defects and passengers are entitled to compensation of up to £520.
Are you having trouble with a cancellation or flight delay and don’t want to accept it without doing anything? You shouldn’t either. After all, you are entitled to compensation in many cases of delay or cancellation.
Flight delay compensation, flight cancellation compensation
Compensation for overbooking
Compensation for denied boarding
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With us, you can check your claims free of charge in two minutes. You can receive up to 520 pounds compensation per person (minus the success commission).
When did the airline inform you of the flight cancellation or delay?
On the day of the flight or less than 14 days before or more than 14 days before departure.
Are you also affected by a missed connecting flight? Check your flight now. Simple ✔ fast ✔ & without risk ✔
How do airlines argue that technical defects are exceptional circumstances?
In some cases, airlines try to present technical defects as extraordinary circumstances in order to avoid paying compensation. They may argue that the defect could not have been avoided or that it occurred due to unforeseeable events such as bird strikes or lightning.
However, it is up to the airline to substantiate this argument and they must prove that they took all reasonable measures to avoid the defect or minimise its effects. If they cannot prove this, passengers may be entitled to compensation of up to £520.
Do you have a right to compensation in the event of a technical defect?
In most cases, passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled due to technical defects are entitled to compensation. The exact conditions may vary depending on the country and legislation, but in the UK the UK261 Legislation applies.
This regulation states that compensation of up to £520 per person must be paid in the event of a delay of more than 3 hours, a flight cancellation or an overbooked flight. This compensation can also be claimed if the technical defect occurred outside European airspace, as long as the airline is based in an EU country.
How can you claim compensation in the event of a technical defect?
- Document the flight delay: Keep all travel documents (booking confirmation, boarding pass, receipts for additional costs such as cab, accommodation, meals).
- Confirm the delay: Ask airline staff to confirm the delay in writing, including the reason for the delay.
- Exchange contact details: Exchange contact details with other passengers to have witnesses and support each other in pursuing claims.
- Please note the deadline: You have 6 years after the flight to claim your compensation.
- Get support: As airlines often refuse compensation, turn to Flightright to avoid the paperwork and stress. Flightright will take over the enforcement of your compensation and increase your chances of success.
What benefits are you entitled to in the event of flight delays due to technical faults?
If your flight is delayed due to a technical fault, you may be entitled to various benefits such as:
- Catering and refreshments
- Accommodation (if required)
- Transportation between the airport and the accommodation
- Two free calls, fax messages or e-mails
The exact benefits may vary depending on the length of the delay. In the event of a delay of more than 5 hours or a flight cancellation, passengers can also decide whether they wish to cancel their journey and request a refund of the ticket price or an alternative flight to their destination.
Find out more about this topic in these two articles on your right to care services and flight delay compensation.
Why are manufacturing defects excluded from compensation?
If a technical defect is due to a manufacturing fault, this is not considered an extraordinary circumstance and passengers are entitled to compensation. This is because the airline usually has a warranty for its aircraft and is therefore responsible for the repair or replacement.
However, it can happen that a manufacturer goes bankrupt or the warranty has expired. In such cases, airlines can invoke force majeure to protect themselves from compensation payments. It is important that passengers know their rights in such cases and seek legal assistance if necessary.
How do you enforce your rights if the airline uses technical defects as an excuse?
In some cases, airlines may try to use technical faults as an excuse to avoid paying compensation. If you think this is the case with your flight, you can take the following steps:
- Collect evidence: Document the delay or cancellation of your flight and collect all relevant documentation such as boarding passes and receipts for additional costs.
- Submit a complaint to the airline: Submit a formal complaint to the airline and demand compensation. Present your evidence.
- Support from Flightright: If the airline does not respond to your complaint or continues to use the excuse of a technical defect, you can contact Flightright. We are experts in enforcing air passenger rights and can offer you legal assistance.
Know your rights and successfully enforce compensation for technical defects
It is important that you know your rights as a passenger and take action if you are affected by a flight delay or cancellation. This also applies to technical defects, which are often used as an excuse by airlines. Keep all relevant documents and obtain written confirmation of delays. If necessary, seek legal assistance from Flightright to successfully enforce your claims. Don’t be discouraged and stand up for your right to compensation!
How can Flightright help you?
Flightright supports you in enforcing your claims in the event of flight delays, especially if technical defects are the reason for the delay. Our aim is to make the process simple and stress-free. Our experts use their extensive knowledge of EU air passenger rights to get you fair compensation, even if the delay was caused by technical issues. Visit our website to quickly check your claim and enforce your rights.
According to the UK261 Legislation, passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation, overbooking, or missed connection. They can receive up to £520 compensation per person (minus the success commission). This compensation is independent of the ticket price. Flightright enforces your rights for you. If necessary also in court.
Tip: Flightright helps you to enforce your passenger rights! With us, you can check your claims free of charge in two minutes. ✔️Easy, ✔️fast ✔️& without risk
As the market-leading consumer portal, Flightright fights for the enforcement of air passenger rights. We stand up for your rights in the event of a flight delay, cancellation or denied boarding and refer to the UK261 Regulation. Flightright’s air passenger rights experts are also happy to help you with ticket refunds and refunds for cancelled package holidays.
As experts in the field of air passenger rights, we enforce your right to compensation against the airline!