'Technical Problems' - Is there any way of finding out what the problem was?

fits

I need to take three flights to get home to Ireland. Last friday, I was in the small regional airport where I live, waiting to take my first flight of the day when it was announced that the flight was cancelled as the incoming flight had to turn around and go back due to technical problems.

I was rebooked onto the next scheduled flight, three hours later, which was also delayed and I just missed my connection to get home.

I had to fork out 600 euro to book new flights.

Now apparently, if your flight is delayed more than three hours, you are entitled to compensation of 250 euro, except in 'extraordinary circumstances'. And not all technical problems fit in under 'extraordinary circumstances'. So I am trying to find out where I stand. Is there any way of finding out what the technical problem was?

bluecode

Not unless you know someone in the airline and even then it might not be known. You could check here if it was reportable: http://avherald.com/

But apply for the compensation anyway.

fits

Thanks, I have done so. But the system seems unfair given that they could easily claim that it was 'extraordinary circumstances', when in fact the fault maybe lay with them or should have been detected in the pre flight checks. You wouldn't know.

It was a finnair flight operated by flybe by the way.

Tenger

fits wrote: »

Thanks, I have done so. But the system seems unfair given that they could easily claim that it was 'extraordinary circumstances', when in fact the fault maybe lay with them or should have been detected in the pre flight checks. You wouldn't know.

It was a finnair flight operated by flybe by the way.

Chances are that the 'technical fault' was detected in the pre-flight checks.....still doesn't mean they can magically sort out your delay. I understand your frustration and realise your plight. But this issue could be anything from a faulty bulb to a tripped circuitbreaker to a birdstrike to a serious engine problem.


Airlines don't usually tell pax the exact nature of the tech issue. Doing so can confuse or scare some pax. In addition it can also lead to a increased perception of a continuing problem by the pax.

fits

Tenger wrote: »

Chances are that the 'technical fault' was detected in the pre-flight checks.....still doesn't mean they can magically sort out your delay. I understand your frustration and realise your plight. But this issue could be anything from a faulty bulb to a tripped circuitbreaker to a birdstrike to a serious engine problem.
.

Way to miss the point... I am just trying to figure out whether I am entitled to compensation or not :eek: Knowing the nature of the fault would help immensely.

Tenger

fits wrote: »

Way to miss the point... I am just trying to figure out whether I am entitled to compensation or not :eek: Knowing the nature of the fault would help immensely.

I know exactly what your point is......


My point is that the airline will not release that info unless the fault was reported under aviation regulations. Your travel insurance should cover the cost of the delays and rebookings....did the airline offer to rebook you or did you rebook under your own assumptions.

'Technical issue' can cover so much stuff.......perhaps the push back truck in the airport broke down while attached to the aircraft......perhaps the aircraft for your flight was delayed by an ATC equipment failure at another airport.....perhaps the toilet water supply was not working before departure and had to be unblocked.......etc etc

fits

Tenger wrote: »

I know exactly what your point is......


My point is that the airline will not release that info unless the fault was reported under aviation regulations.

'Technical issue' can cover so much stuff.......perhaps the push back truck in the airport broke down while attached to the aircraft......perhaps the aircraft for your flight was delayed by an ATC equipment failure at another airport.....perhaps the toilet water supply was not working before departure and had to be unblocked.......etc etc

Exactly, and some of those are eligible to be filed under 'extraordinary circumstances' and some are not. How can I trust them to be honest with me with money at stake?

fits

Tenger wrote: »

My point is that the airline will not release that info unless the fault was reported under aviation regulations. Your travel insurance should cover the cost of the delays and rebookings....did the airline offer to rebook you or did you rebook under your own assumptions.

Also... have a read of this.

(and not all travel insurance policies cover missed connections.. which is neither here nor there as I didnt have any... I normally travel for work which is covered, and never thought of it)

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/air_travel/compensation_for_overbooked_and_delayed_flights.html

Nonoperational

On my last trip, our flight was delayed because of "technical reasons". As it turns out, a baggage truck drove into the 757 and dented it. They needed clearance from Boeing to fly and we were delayed by 6 hours. Missed our Ryanair flight home as a result.

I emailed the carrier and they sent me a letter saying the flight was delayed for "technical reasons" and the travel insurance reimbursed me for everything down to bus tickets from Gatwick to Stansted to Costa Coffee... They don't need the exact reason.

fits

^I didnt have travel insurance. I am looking for compensation from the airline which I *may* be entitled to under EC Regulation 261/2004


This site has very good information about technical problems and extraordinary circumstances.

Apparently the onus is on the airline company to prove that the technical problems were indeed extraordinary and could not have been reasonably avoided.
http://www.flightmole.com/extraordinary_circumstances.htm