World Cup delays could cost airlines millions
A website that helps passengers claim compensation for delayed flights claims 4,000 of those who flew from Europe to Brazil during the World Cup are eligible for £475 each.
Refund.me said the delays could cost airlines almost £2 million, with TAP Air Portugal facing the greatest number of claims as more than 10 of its flights from Lisbon to Brazil were delayed by more than three hours during the four-week period.
TAP flight TP77 from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro on June 27 was delayed by almost 8 hours, according to refund.me.
"Every passenger on that flight has the right to claim £475," said a spokesman.
Under European law, passengers can claim compensation for some cancellations and delays of three hours or more, as long as the airline was at fault.
A recent ourt case in the UK established that passengers had six years to lodge claims against airlines. A second case, against Jet2.com, established that airlines could not use technical faults as a blanket excuse to avoid payments, but the airline has sought leave to appeal.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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