If you are a U.S. passenger currently affected by the disruption or you are due to fly into or out of Heathrow in the next few days, here is what you need to know about your rights regarding refunds and compensation.
Can I currently fly to or from Heathrow?
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUYHeathrow Airport will be closed until at least midnight Friday.
Even if Heathrow determines the airport can open Saturday, many more flight cancellations are likely.
Most flights from the U.S. to Europe depart in the evening and land the next morning. Already, we're starting to see cancellations of flights scheduled to depart the U.S. Friday evening bound for London.
If your flight from Heathrow on Friday has been canceled, do not go to the airport. Instead, contact your airline for further advice. We'd also recommend keeping a close eye on your airline's app for updates and potential rebooking opportunities.
Should Heathrow resume its operations Saturday as expected, we fully anticipate this disruption to trickle into the ensuing days. With so many flights canceled or diverted, we expect further cancellations throughout the weekend and possibly into next week alongside additional delays for flights that can operate.
Should I change my travel plans?
You may wish to change your travel plans. Consider flying to, from or through any European airport other than Heathrow.
All other London-area airports are operating as normal but accepting some additional aircraft diverted from Heathrow. Those London airports include London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), London City Airport (LCY) and London Luton Airport (LTN).
All other airports in the U.K. and across Europe are unaffected; however, some may also be receiving diverted aircraft which could result in longer takeoff and landing times than usual.
Depending on your airline and ticket type booked, you may be able to change your itinerary to land in a different European city altogether; however, additional transportation via rail car or separate flight would then need Figured out
Am I entitled EU261 UK261 compensation if my flight canceled delayed?
Under European U.K.. regulations entitled another refund was this fire Unfortunately likely eligible additional caused event outside individual control viewed extraordinary circumstance Even eligible extraordinary circumstances airlines still duty care instance legislation Civil Aviation Authority currently stranded airport note allowing passengers terminals entitled food drinks refreshments provide vouchers claim reasonable costs afterward keep receipts expect extend duty covered legislation offer guide expect covered law Flight itinerary Non carrier Departing Covered Arriving non refund policy Department Transportation policy travelers significantly delayed ultimately choose regardless circumstances promptly seven days paid credit card Keep mind though offers rebooking accept eligible refund get Refund need pay Change Terminal Jason Bloomberg Getty ImagesIf wish try online choose call expect long wait times others Currently carriers offering waive fees usually incurred changing bookings follows American Airlines waive rebooked travel March don t origin destination city cabin pay difference Changes booked Delta Air Lines Delta waive fees occurs March originally fare difference waived changes cabin origin fare apply rescheduled cancel reservation apply unused ticket value toward purchase period year issuance United Airlines United waive reschedule trip March Ticket cities originally Amsterdam Schiphol AMS Brussels Paris Charles Gaulle CDG Edinburgh EDI Regardless policies Transportation entitled money back questions international canceled choose Policy applies portion voided something guarantees DOT dashboard Related Getting refunded Cancelled Delayed What planned transit Through Friday consider options operate onward find alternative transportation wait announces reopening advise reach offer chance without paying North American airlines American jet Sean Cudahy GuyAmerican JetBlue affected closure multiple overnight diverted returned origin cities Flights scheduled depart May checking operating British Airways Virgin Atlantic comprehensive route network nonstop services already Bottom line unprecedented management scrambling restore power Europe busiest already knowing rights considering alternative thousands trying frustrating patient respectful fellow staff likely continue fallout takes fully rectify challenges facing ###
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