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When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

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Re: When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

#21
This is a great idea. I once had a (US domestic) flight cancelled at the last minute because there weren't enough people on it, and all the airline offered to do was put me in a hotel overnight and pay for my meals while I waited for another flight that was about 20 hours later.

In the end I managed to weasel my way onto a different flight to a nearby airport, and I still have no idea what I should have asked for if I had actually had to wait that long. I was pretty outraged that they didn't offer me any other compensation for all the time I would have lost because they chose to cancel an underbooked flight.

Re: When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

#22

This is a great idea. I once had a (US domestic) flight cancelled at the last minute because there weren't enough people on it, and all the airline offered to do was put me in a hotel overnight and pay for my meals while I waited for another flight that was about 20 hours later. In the end I managed to weasel my way onto a different flight to a nearby airport, and I still have no idea what I should have asked for if…

According to the voucher Delta gave me, things are different now. Only technical difficulties are exempt. Other reasons require them to give you a multiple of the ticket cost back.

Re: When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

#24
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not in this day and age. United stranded me in Houston last year after leaving late from LA... said it was because of the weather and politely told me to "shove off." Well guess what, it was another perfect day in LA that day. If work hadn't paid for everything I'd be very angry. I'm still angry but busy and less motivated to fight. A company that could do the fighting for me could be helpful. Even if they didn't pro…

Weather upstream from your flight can still be responsible. If the aircraft your flight is going to use gets delayed due to weather earlier in the day, that's a weather delay, even if you had clear skies at your departure. Airlines aren't responsible for weather delays, full stop.

Nope, we sat ready at the gate for a half hour past departure time. Clear skies in Houston as well.

Re: When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

#25

This is a great idea. I once had a (US domestic) flight cancelled at the last minute because there weren't enough people on it, and all the airline offered to do was put me in a hotel overnight and pay for my meals while I waited for another flight that was about 20 hours later. In the end I managed to weasel my way onto a different flight to a nearby airport, and I still have no idea what I should have asked for if…

My wife and I had our flight from Europe to Japan cancelled a few summers ago. The put us another flight via Bangkok. Added 8 hours to our journey. That became a really long trip.

Eventually we got the EU paperwork and filled it in meticulously. And to our surprise €600 each arrived within a few weeks.

As soon as the use of these type of apps become the norm the flight prices will probably go up a bit to compensate. Or maybe the airlines will be less cavalier about cancelling flights.

Re: When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

#26
I am intrigued and tried to submit a claim for a recent domestic (USA) flight. However, the app update for US flights does not appear to have taken effect because I was denied for not being eligible under EU law:

http://i.imgur.com/sgDGyZy.png

Re: When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

#27
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not in this day and age. United stranded me in Houston last year after leaving late from LA... said it was because of the weather and politely told me to "shove off." Well guess what, it was another perfect day in LA that day. If work hadn't paid for everything I'd be very angry. I'm still angry but busy and less motivated to fight. A company that could do the fighting for me could be helpful. Even if they didn't pro…

Weather upstream from your flight can still be responsible. If the aircraft your flight is going to use gets delayed due to weather earlier in the day, that's a weather delay, even if you had clear skies at your departure. Airlines aren't responsible for weather delays, full stop.

> Airlines aren't responsible for weather delays, full stop.

Yes, exactly.

"Airline-caused" means things like:

- flight crew delays/unavailable

- mechanical issues

- overbooking

Re: When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

#28

The power of attorney part is a little scary. I understand they really have to handle the whole process to ensure they get paid at the end, but I surely don't take giving someone power of attorney lightly.

My thoughts as well. Can POA be limited to a specific area or case (e.g. just for flight reimbursement)?

Re: When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

#29
post #28

The power of attorney part is a little scary. I understand they really have to handle the whole process to ensure they get paid at the end, but I surely don't take giving someone power of attorney lightly.

My thoughts as well. Can POA be limited to a specific area or case (e.g. just for flight reimbursement)?

"A 'specific' power of attorney imposes limits upon the named representative, and may restrict the scope of that person's powers to a single type of conduct or a single transaction."

http://www.expertlaw.com/library/estate_planning/power_of_at...

Re: When Airlines Screw Up Your Flight, AirHelp (YC W14) Gets You Paid

#30
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Weather upstream from your flight can still be responsible. If the aircraft your flight is going to use gets delayed due to weather earlier in the day, that's a weather delay, even if you had clear skies at your departure. Airlines aren't responsible for weather delays, full stop.

Nope, we sat ready at the gate for a half hour past departure time. Clear skies in Houston as well.

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