More than 100,000 travelers have been affected by flight cancellations over the weekend due to a worldwide IT system failure, affecting leading airlines worldwide. Now, airline passengers who’s travel plans have been hindered by IT outage are warned to be cautious of scammers who are posing as airline staff and targeting individuals looking for assistance.
To identify fraudulent activities, it is important to note that airlines typically do not contact customers through email, text messages, or phone calls. Instead, legitimate messages are usually sent through your personal account on the official website or app. Therefore, if you receive any communication from these companies, it is advisable to directly visit the official website to verify if there is any alert. If there is no alert present, it is likely a scam.
Industry experts provide the following information for individuals who have made flight reservations and are seeking compensation:
It is recommended that those with upcoming travel plans in the next few days regularly monitor their flight status through the flight tracker, mobile app, official website, or official social media platforms before departing for the airport. In the event of a flight cancellation caused by the outage, it is advised to initiate the reimbursement procedure promptly.
If you find yourself already at the airport, you have the option to stop by the customer service desk and initiate the process.
It’s worth noting that in addition to receiving compensation for the airfare, many airlines also provide meal vouchers and hotel accommodations for affected customers.
Most major airlines offer meal vouchers if a cancellation leads to a 3-hour or longer wait for a flight, and many also offer complimentary hotel stays for passengers impacted by overnight cancellations.
For many individuals, cancellations or delays are the result of disruptions, so it’s important to reach out to your travel company promptly to discuss available options.
In case a delay exceeds five hours without being canceled, you have the right to opt out of traveling and receive a complete refund for your ticket.
If your flight cannot be rescheduled, resulting in the cancellation of your entire holiday, the travel agency should provide an alternative holiday option if feasible, or reimburse the total package cost, not just the flight portion.
If you were informed of the cancellation less than 14 days prior to the scheduled flight, you are eligible for compensation.
If you are contemplating whether to request a complete refund or rearrange your vacation, the choice will be influenced by individual circumstances. Nevertheless, there are various aspects to take into account when making this decision:
Availability: Evaluate whether the dates provided by the travel operator are a suitable substitute for your original trip. If the new dates do not align with your schedule, rescheduling may not be a feasible option.
Refund Amount: Opting for a full refund from the travel operator may be more financially appealing, especially if you are uncertain about your future travel plans.
Change Fees: Verify if the travel operator is waiving any fees for changing travel dates. Some operators may impose charges for altering dates, which could impact your decision.
Travel Insurance: If you possess travel insurance, examine your policy to determine if it covers cancellations or modifications due to unforeseen circumstances. This factor could sway your choice between rescheduling or opting for a refund.
