There has been a rise in the number of people demanding that airlines ensure compensation for passengers whose flights are either cancelled or delayed.
There has been widespread disruption at Australian airports for months, with far more travellers than usual being notified that their flights will need to be delayed or cancelled.
Many Australians had their vacation plans thwarted due to staff shortages, the Covid pandemic, technological difficulties, and bad weather.
Each airline decides on its own whether or not passengers who have had their flights delayed will receive coupons for meals and accommodations.
Consumer groups, however, suggested that Australia should follow the example of Europe and the United Kingdom and pass legislation that applies to all airlines.
If your flight is delayed by more than two hours, Qantas will give you a voucher for a meal.
Qantas offers a $30 lunch coupon and a $200 hotel voucher to each passenger who must wait overnight.
To what extent passengers affected by flight delays will be compensated, and whether or not they will be offered coupons for meals and accommodation is a matter left to the discretion of each airline.
In the event of a flight delay of more than 12 hours, passengers will get a $50 food voucher per person and a $200 hotel voucher per room. You would only resort to them if the airline were at fault.
Any flight delayed by three hours or more will receive a full refund.
If your flight is delayed and you cannot rebook onto another flight that suits you, or if the delay forces you to cancel your trip, Qantas and Jetstar will issue a credit or refund.
If your flight is delayed by two hours or longer, Virgin Australia will provide you with vouchers for food.
Up to $220 per hotel room will be paid for customers who must wait an extra night for their rescheduled flight.
Compensation under the EU scheme is predetermined and begins after a three-hour delay.
Flights up to 1,500 kilometres receive €250 ($AU373) in compensation, flights up to 3,500 kilometres receive €400 ($AU596), while flights farther than that receive €600 ($AU895).
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