If your flight goes red on the screen, do not panic and do not accept the first half answer at the counter. In India, your rights are clear and you can convert a delay into a refund, a workable rebooking or compensation depending on the cause and duration. Start by documenting everything. Photograph the departure board with the time stamp visible. Save the airline message that announces the delay. Keep receipts for meals and local transport if you are stranded because those sometimes get reimbursed when the airline is responsible.
Go to the airline channel that actually resolves problems. App chat works if it creates a ticket number. Counter staff works if they can issue a boarding pass for a new flight on the spot. Call centres are useful only when the agent can see partner inventory. Ask for the precise remedy you want. If the delay crosses the threshold listed in the airline’s own policy you can demand a free change to the next available flight or a full refund back to your original payment method. When the airline caused the disruption and you are stuck overnight, press for meals and hotel support. Domestic carriers publish these commitments and regulators expect them to honour the framework.
If the airline blames weather or air traffic control and declines compensation, you can still request a no-penalty change. If you paid for add ons like seat selection or meals, ask to carry those forward. If the airline ignores your claim, escalate with a written complaint and attach proof of delay and receipts. You can then lodge a grievance with the aviation regulator’s portal and reference your ticket number. Most carriers respond quickly once the regulator is in the loop.
One note on denied boarding. If you arrive on time and the airline oversold the flight, you are eligible for compensation under Indian rules in addition to a rebooking or refund. Always ask for the written policy before you accept vouchers.
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