When a Flight Is Delayed
Flight delays are a common headache, but they don’t have to leave you completely powerless. Under rules from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), if your flight is delayed, the airline has specific obligations. For delays of two hours or more,
the airline must provide you with free meals and refreshments at the airport. While there is no direct cash compensation for most delays, the required care is a legal mandate, not a goodwill gesture. If a domestic flight delay stretches beyond six hours, your rights increase significantly. At this point, the airline must offer you the choice of a full refund for your ticket or an alternative flight. For overnight delays, specifically on flights scheduled to depart between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. that are delayed by more than six hours, the airline is also required to provide free hotel accommodation. It is important to note that these rules generally do not apply in cases of 'force majeure' or extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as severe weather or air traffic control issues.
If the Airline Cancels Your Flight
An airline can't cancel your flight without consequence, especially at the last minute. Your rights depend on how much notice you were given. If the airline informs you of a cancellation less than two weeks before departure but more than 24 hours prior, it must offer you an alternate flight or a refund, whichever you prefer. The situation changes if the cancellation happens with less than 24 hours' notice. In this scenario, you are entitled to compensation in addition to a full refund or an alternative flight. The compensation amount is based on the flight's duration, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Thanks to new rules effective in 2026, passengers also have a 'look-in' period. You can cancel or amend your ticket without any cancellation fee within 48 hours of booking, provided the flight's departure is at least seven days away for domestic travel.
When You're Denied Boarding
Airlines sometimes sell more tickets than available seats, a practice known as overbooking. If you have a confirmed ticket and checked in on time but are involuntarily denied boarding, you are entitled to significant compensation. First, the airline must ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for benefits. If not enough volunteers come forward and you are bumped against your will, the compensation clock starts. If the airline arranges an alternate flight that departs within 24 hours of your original flight, you are owed up to 200% of your one-way base fare plus fuel charge, capped at ₹10,000. If the alternate flight is more than 24 hours later, or if you choose not to take it, the compensation rises to 400% of the one-way fare, capped at ₹20,000, in addition to a full refund of your ticket. Airlines must give you a written notice of your rights at the gate and should not force you to accept vouchers instead of cash compensation.
For Lost or Damaged Baggage
If your checked baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, your first step is crucial: do not leave the airport without filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at your airline's counter. This document is essential for any future claim. For domestic flights within India, the airline's liability is capped at ₹20,000 per passenger. For international travel, the rules of the Montreal Convention apply, which offers significantly higher protection, with liability limits of around 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR), an international reserve asset, which translates to approximately ₹1.5 lakh per passenger. The airline is responsible for compensating you for the loss, though the exact amount for domestic flights can depend on the weight of the luggage. In cases of damage, the airline may pay for repairs or provide a replacement bag.
Claiming Your Refund Correctly
Knowing you are due a refund is one thing; getting it is another. The DGCA has set clear timelines for airlines to process refunds. If you paid by credit card, the airline must process the refund within seven days. If the ticket was booked through a travel agent or online portal, the airline is still responsible and must ensure the refund reaches you within 14 working days. You should not be forced to accept a credit shell or voucher when you are entitled to a cash refund, especially in cases of involuntary cancellations by the airline. The rules empower you to insist on the money being returned to your original mode of payment.
