Why flight delays are costing you more than you think
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There's nothing quite as frustrating on holiday when your flight is delayed, whether you're eagerly awaiting to escape for sunshine, or just trying to head back home.
Although you are entitled to compensation for flights delayed by more than three hours, it's still costing Brits more than we think - and it's all to do with being in the airport.
That's because as the hours drag on, you're likely to want to stretch your legs and take a stroll - which means you're more likely to pop into the duty free shops or kill time at the airport restaurants.
Those costs add up; in fact, new research by airFair has revealed that 58% of Brits could spend up to £50 in the airport while waiting for a delayed flight.
So when you're on a family holiday, those costs can really start to add up.
Not to mention that 11% of Brits admitted they would spend up to £100 - which is more expensive than most flights in the first place!
(Image: Photolibrary RM)
It's not so much that we're indulging. In fact, the main reason for spending is food, as passengers stock up on sweet and savoury treats, no doubt to keep hunger pangs at bay and avoid further irritation.
However, it's worth noting that for delays of more than two hours, the airline has to provide you with free food and drink, so it's worth holding off if you want to save a few extra pennies.
Second on the list of expenditures was alcohol, with 26% of Brits opting for a tipple to while away the hours.
Although if the pre-holiday pint gets banned by the government , it could be that they'll have to find alternative ways to pass the time.
Taking the third spot after food and bars are the duty free shops, with 22% of Brits opting for a bit of retail therapy to cheer themselves up - although less than half buy clothes and accessories.
(Image: Caiaimage)
We're not splurging on luxuries though - only 2% said they would book in for a spa or beauty treatment.
It's worth noting that under EU law, passengers are entitled to compensation if a flight is delayed by more than three hours from an airport which resides in the European Union or was en-route to an EU member state.
The airline also has to provide you with free food and drink, the cost of phone calls and emails, and accommodation if the delay means that you are stranded overnight.
airFair's Rahul Sharma said: "The survey results reveal that we are a nation that spends money onthe necessities when delayed as opposed to indulging on the finer things. Experiencing a delay at the airport is never pleasant and can result in an unexpected cost that many haven’t budgeted for.
“These expenditures no matter how big or small can soon add up when a family is travelling together, or if a regular traveller is delayed multiple times in the year. Therefore, passengers should always launch a compensation claim when they are delayed for more than three hours to get back money that they are rightfully owed.”
You can make compensation claims as early as in the departure lounge via the airFair app or on their website here .