Partial Compensation for Passengers Stranded Due to a Rogue Passenger!

Getting financial flight delay compensation is a long and cumbersome affair. In most cases, airlines will claim that circumstances were extraordinary, in which case they do not have to pay. Although you are not eligible for financial compensation in such circumstances, you can still claim some damages from the airlines. Read on to find out how you can claim damages if your flight was delayed because of another passenger.

Who is a rogue passenger according to airline rules?

A rogue passenger is someone who disrupts a flight before take-off or mid-air, becomes a hindrance to flight safety or threatens the safety of other passengers in the flight with his or her behaviour. If such a rogue passenger creates problems at the airport gates itself, it is possible that the flight they are supposed to be on may get delayed while airport security either tries to get the under control or whisks them off to a security holding area.

A rogue passenger is considered a security issue and such incidents are covered under extraordinary circumstances for a flight getting delayed or cancelled.

What is the compensation for passengers stranded because of a rogue passenger?

There is no financial compensation as such for delays and cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances. As such, if your flight is delayed and you are stranded at a faraway airport because of a rogue passenger disrupting your flight, there will be no flight delay refunds or compensation you can claim from the airlines.

However, the airlines have to provide some basic services for all such stranded passengers. Such services include:

• Refreshments or refreshment vouchers
• Hotel stay if the delay is overnight or longer than intended by the passenger
• Transport or cost of transport to and from the hotel
• Two free of charge phone calls, emails, faxes or any other form of electronic communication to anywhere in the world.
• Free medical assistance

If the airline does not provide these basic services, you can claim the expenses you incurred because of the delay after your return. You have to submit proof in the form o receipts and bills along with your claim for it to be valid and considered by the airline for reimbursement.

European flight delay compensation rules

If the delay or cancellation of your flight was due to technical difficulties or other circumstances that are not termed "extraordinary", here is a quick guide on how much you can claim from the airlines for the delay:

• Flight under 1,500km, delayed by at least 3 hours – compensation up to €250
• Flight between 1,500km to 3,500 km, delayed by at least 3 hours – compensation up to €400
• Flight over 3,500km, delayed by 3-4 hours – compensation up to €300
• Any flight delayed for over 4 hours – compensation up to €600

The delay is calculated based on the time of departure and arrival at the destination. You can claim compensation if the delay was of a minimum of three hours.

Check for the list of extraordinary circumstances on the airport authority and regulatory authorities’ websites. Keep this list handy, as most airlines will claim extraordinary circumstances to refuse your claim. If the circumstances for delay were indeed extraordinary, know your rights and what you can rightfully claim.

Stephen Godden, am the author of this article for Flight Delay Refunds and Blueway Limited is the main resources of Flight Delay Refunds company provide a full service of delayed or cancelled flights.