As you wait in the airport for your plane during the air traffic delay crisis (or GateGate as we call it) some Holidelays and Don’ts on how and what to claim.
And all those Brexiteers will no doubt be aghast that passengers are still governed by EU law.
And will therefore not claim compensation for delays of three hours or more.
Departure from an EU airport, or arrival at an EU airport with an EU airline.
Delay is more than three hours.
The airline is responsible for the delay.
Watch your pennies
Take a break: Dublin airport’s bubbles
Ensure you cancel any booking or parking to avoid surcharges.
And keep your expenses minimal.
Many travellers tend to go overboard with unnecessary purchases during delays.
So steer clear of this trap and mind your budget and stick to buying only what is necessary.
This includes meals, drinks, transportation, and even accommodation if necessary.
How to lodge a claim
I’m on it: Flying around the Greek islands
Contact the airline, refer to the airline’s delay/cancellation policy, and state your claim.
Include your flight details, length of the delay, and incurred expenses.
Arm yourself with knowledge and persistence—sometimes, airlines might initially reject your claim.
But if you’re eligible under EU laws, don’t shy away from appealing the decision.
The downside is if unusual circumstances (like extreme weather or security risks) caused the delay, the airline might not be obligated to compensate you.
But it doesn’t hurt to check.
Your roadmap
Follow these actions whenever a severe delay occurs:
Contact the airline ASAP.
Keep a record of the delay.
Retain all relevant receipts.
Lodge your compensation claim.
With these strategies, you can transform a seemingly difficult situation into a manageable one.
And maintain control over your finances, time, and overall travel experience.
In truth, I definitely owe hard-pressed airline staff far more than they owe me.
And if I’ve let a four-hour Ryanair delay slide without claiming compo (it’s still there from Edinburgh to Dublin) then it’s small change compared to the help I’ve received at check-in desks around the world.
So when I misread the small print on my connecting flight from Munich to Athens Bertha at the Lufthansa desk my little boy lost act.
And put me on the next flight without paying an extra Euro and avoided turning a Greek tragedy into a crisis.
Add to that flights back from London to Dublin when either me or my trip providers got the times wrong.
Prost: Munich Airport Gate
Or when a certain Scary One wasn’t on the list for our Air France flight to Amsterdam.
All were resolved.
Of course for thousands of passengers stranded in airports and across Europe they clearly have not been so fortunate.
I only hope these Holidelays and Don’ts help and that you’ve had a good break.
Because money can always be replaced… memories can’t.
We know though that you might be strapped for time.
And/or you want to explore further afield in Norway… and that’s where Wilderoe’s extended timetable comes in.
Embraer force
This shark: It has teeth
For Irish Nordic lovers or Vikings returning home, Wideroe have been filling that gap.
Operating the Dublin to Bergen route since April.
And for this winter, flights will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays using the compact Embraer E190 Jet aircraft.
At the convenient departure time of 12.15 from Dublin and return time of 11.05.
All on board: The Embraer
And now I know about this bird having flown on her wings down from Dublin to Waterford on a memorable morning back in my days on my other island.
Flight time from Dublin is just 1hour 45minutes offering an ideal break to the beautiful coastal city of Bergen.
Convenient onward connections operate to many Norwegian cities, including Tromso, known as the Paris of the North.
Troll through the fjords
Catch of the day: Fish treatS
Now we’ve shared here with you the charms of Bergen, its lively Fish Market.
Its Grieg, Munch and Dahl art at the Kode and its walks, shape-shifting trolls and goats.
Troll with it: Norse food of the gods
While, of course our friends at ASM-Ireland remind us that it is perfectly situated between the two biggest fjords in Norway, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord.
Music is the food: Of love
And that Bergen is an ideal starting point for fjord excursions.
Norway in a nutshell
Nose around: With the trolls
While they helpfully point us in the direction of the legendary Norway in a Nutshell tour.
Which will take you through Norway’s UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery.
So God Tur to Bergen. And what does that mean?
Well, look closer, it’s written there on your headrest.
We were so grateful for the air steward’s unorthodox way of calming our screaming baby we thought it might make these plane TUI tips for flying toddlers.
You know, putting lukewarm teabags over your kiddie’s lugs to curb air pressure.