Flights and airports Re-routed flights

Your rights

Your airline should bear the cost of re-routing you

Providing it is reasonable, re-routing can be via another airline or another means of transport. If the airline flies you to another airport in your destination city, or another airport near your destination, it's expected to bear the cost of transferring you to the original airport you were due to fly to.

Remember that in Europe, if your flight is cancelled or delayed for more than five hours, the airline is obliged to provide assistance at the airport. This includes supplying meals and refreshments, along with accommodation if an overnight stay is required. Crucially, the Denied Boarding Regulation says there's no time limit, no monetary limit and no defence for the airline.

If the airline does not provide you with the assistance laid out under the Denied Boarding Regulation, you should go to the check-in area, or the boarding desk of the airline, and request a written copy of your rights. If this is refused, or there is still no attempt by the airline to offer any assistance, you should ensure that you keep all receipts for food, drinks and accommodation.

Be reasonable

On your return, seek reimbursement of your expenses. Make sure that these are reasonable, for example, do not buy champagne or book a five-star hotel - it is possible that you will not get all your money back if the airline thinks you have been unnecessarily extravagant. You should write to the airline with original receipts, making sure that you keep copies just in case you need them later. The fact that the airline refused to assist you is a breach of your rights under (EC) Regulation 261/2004 and you should report the airline to the Civil Aviation Authority.