A worried woman calling on her phone after her flight was delayed or canceled.

Cancellations and Delays: The Most Common Reasons

Behind every delay, cancellation, overbooking, or lost luggage, there is always an excuse or a reason. We identify them all and help you file a claim.

If your flight has been altered, postponed, or canceled, the airline likely provided an explanation. Here, we outline the most frequent causes so you can determine which air travel disruptions may qualify for compensation. If you’re uncertain about your case, feel free to contact us. We offer a free assessment to inform you whether you’re eligible for compensation and how much you may claim.

1. Aircraft Malfunctions

Airplanes are constantly in motion, leading to significant wear and tear that requires strict maintenance and inspections. Like cars, they can experience mechanical failures, which can make flights unsafe and lead to delays or cancellations once the issue is detected.

This is one of the most common causes of flight disruptions. When passengers are rebooked, they may feel the airline’s decision is reasonable and not pursue a compensation claim, even though they are entitled to one. As always, these incidents are recorded, and if this has happened to you, we can file a claim and provide you with a free assessment here:

2. Baggage Issues

Luggage-related issues can always be subject to a claim, but it is essential to file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) for each passenger and piece of baggage.

Additionally, you must ensure that:

  • The PIR includes a reference number.
  • The document does not waive the airline’s responsibility.
  • The PIR is a formal record of your incident, officially recognized by the airline.

In such cases, passengers can claim €67.33 per day for missing luggage, up to €1885 if the bag is not found or is returned after 21 days.

3. Adverse Weather Conditions

Like strikes, bad weather is considered a force majeure event. However, it is important to verify whether the airline’s claim is valid.

Sometimes, airlines use weather conditions as an excuse for delays, even when flights could still operate. It is essential to confirm whether this is truly an unavoidable situation.

At Lexority, we recommend completing a claim request form, allowing us to verify the exact reason behind your flight cancellation. Our team will conduct the necessary research at no cost to you, ensuring that you have all the details before deciding whether to claim compensation for a weather-related delay.

4. Claims Due to Strikes

In the event of a strike, it is important to distinguish between airline staff and airport personnel.

  • If the strike involves public employees, such as air traffic controllers or airport security personnel, passengers are not eligible for compensation.
  • However, if the strike is conducted by airline employees, travelers may have the right to claim compensation.

It is therefore crucial to determine the exact cause of the disruption. Regardless of the situation, we always offer a free consultation so all affected passengers can understand their rights and explore the possibility of making a claim.

Compensation Table for Flight Incidents

As mentioned earlier, for lost baggage, you can claim up to €67.33 per day for delayed luggage, with a maximum claim of €1885.

However, for flight delays and cancellations, compensation amounts are determined based on the distance of the flight:

  • €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
  • €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
  • €600 for flights over 3,500 km

If you have any doubts or wish to file a claim, don’t worry—just fill out our form, and we will contact you with no obligation.