IF you were due to fly with easyJet over the last few days and your flight has been cancelled due to the air traffic control fault which took place on bank holiday Monday (August 28), you might be wondering what to do next.
Although National Air Traffic Services (Nats) said on Monday afternoon that the technical issue had been “identified and remedied”, travel disruption is set to continue throughout the week.
As of Tuesday (August 29), easyJet has grounded more than 80 flights.
Whether you are stuck in an airport and want to find out how to check your next flight status or figure out how to claim compensation, let’s take a look at your rights for a cancelled flight with easyJet.
What happens if you miss your flight due to airport delays
How to check your flight status with easyJet
You can track the status of your easyJet flight online here or by downloading the airline app.
Inputting the flight number and departure/destination locations will find your flight.
However, if the flight is more than two days in advance, you will have to sign in online using your booking reference and last name or your account details to check.
What to do if easyJet cancelled my flight?
On Monday, easyJet posted on X (formerly Twitter): “We have been advised of an Air Traffic Control systems failure affecting UK airspace, which is currently causing disruption to flying programmes for airlines operating to and from the UK.
“We are providing customers on cancelled flights with the option to transfer their flight free of charge or receive a refund and recommend that all passengers flying with us today, regardless of their destination, check the status of their flight on our Flight Tracker at http://easyjet.com/en/flight-tracker for real time information before travelling to the airport.
A stunning golden hour turnaround 🧡 pic.twitter.com/RYoV4UQUFr
— easyJet (@easyJet) August 18, 2023
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our highest priority and while these circumstances are outside of our control, we would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and to reassure customers that we are doing everything possible to minimise the impact of the disruption.”
Further information on the easyJet website says if your flight is cancelled, you can:
- Switch to another flight for free. On Manage Bookings you'll be able to book seats on the next available flight. If there are no direct flights available, you can also search for flights to or from nearby airports within the same country or indirect flights on the easyJet network
- Choose a voucher for the full value of your booking. The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and gives you the flexibility to book travel anywhere on the easyJet network when you’re ready to fly. You can request the voucher yourself via Manage Bookings
- Request a refund. You can get a refund for the full value of your booking. Refunds will be paid to the account you made the booking with. They are processing refund requests within seven days, and they may take a few extra days to come through to your bank account. Once you’ve submitted an online refund request, you can track the status of your request online
Home Secretary Suella Braverman is 'very cognisant' of UK air traffic control disruption
Passengers who booked through a tour operator or travel agent should contact them directly for help with your travel plans.
What compensation does easyJet offer for cancelled flights?
The airline says: "If your flight arrives more than three hours after the scheduled time of arrival, or is cancelled within 14 days of departure, or you are involuntarily denied boarding, you may be able to claim EC261 compensation. You can claim for compensation here.
“If the cause of your delay or cancellation is classified as an Extraordinary circumstance (like an air traffic control strike or bad weather) you will not be entitled to EC261 Flight Compensation.”
How to claim back expenses from easyJet
The easyJet website says: “In the unlikely event that we can’t arrange hotel, meal, or transport costs directly for you on the day of your disrupted flight, you may be asked to pay for reasonable costs yourself. You can claim back expenses on our expenses page.
“To check what you are entitled to under the regulation please read our notice of rights for delayed and cancelled flights.”
However, the airline will not cover other costs such as pre-booked hotel stays, airport parking or missed activities (but your travel insurance may).
It adds: “All expense claims must be supported by valid itemised receipts or invoices on headed paper as proof of purchase. We cannot accept credit card receipts as proof of payment.”
