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Time Business News
6 hours ago
- Time Business News
Flight Delay Compensation Guide: Know Your Rights & Claim
light delays have become increasingly common in recent years, affecting millions of travelers worldwide. While some delays are unavoidable, many passengers are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation when their travel plans are disrupted. Understanding one's rights when a flight is delayed or canceled can make all the difference. This guide aims to inform travelers about flight delay compensation, empowering them to take appropriate action when facing unexpected setbacks. ✈️ Flight delayed or cancelled? Don't leave money on the table. Call Airline Help now at 800-594-4991 (OTA) — your compensation could be just a call away! Flight delay compensation refers to the financial reimbursement that airlines may be required to provide to passengers whose flights are significantly delayed. It is important to distinguish this from a simple refund or cancellation process. While refunds apply when a passenger chooses not to fly or cancels voluntarily, delay compensation is provided when the airline is at fault for the disruption. Laws such as EU261 and guidelines by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) set the standard for when and how compensation should be issued. These regulations are designed to protect passengers and ensure airlines remain accountable. Under EC 261/2004, passengers flying from an EU airport or with an EU-based airline may be eligible for compensation for flight delay if the delay exceeds three hours. Eligibility also depends on the flight distance and the reason for the delay. Compensation for delayed flight may range from €250 to €600, depending on the length of the journey and delay duration. Passengers must ensure the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather). In the U.S., the situation is slightly different. There is no federal law mandating airlines to pay flight delays compensation. However, airlines do have internal policies. For example, rules around tarmac delays ensure passengers are not left stranded in planes for hours without basic necessities. Passengers can sometimes receive travel vouchers or other forms of goodwill gestures, but direct delay flight compensation is rare unless a formal complaint is made. In the UK, laws mirror EU261 due to prior alignment with European regulations. Canada introduced the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, which offer fixed amounts for delays depending on airline size and delay duration. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) outlines rights regarding flight cancellation compensation and delays, including assistance and potential refunds. Understanding the cause of the delay can help determine eligibility for compensation for delayed flights. Common reasons include: Technical issues Weather conditions Air traffic control restrictions Crew scheduling problems Security concerns or operational delays If the delay is due to the airline's responsibility, passengers are more likely to qualify for compensation for flight delays. To claim compensation for flight delay, passengers should check: Duration of the delay (typically 3+ hours for EU) (typically 3+ hours for EU) Cause of the delay (airline's fault or extraordinary event) (airline's fault or extraordinary event) Route and airline's origin (relevant for EU rules) (relevant for EU rules) Supporting documents (boarding pass, delay notifications) Understanding these eligibility factors is crucial when considering a cancellation flight compensation or delay reimbursement. Here's a simple step-by-step process: Check eligibility based on the airline's policy and regulatory laws. Gather documents such as tickets, receipts, and email confirmations. Contact the airline and formally request compensation (email or online form). If denied, consider filing a complaint with aviation authorities or seek help from legal claim services. Ensure the claim is filed within the statute of limitations, which varies by country. In some cases, passengers may also be eligible for compensation for cancelled flight, especially when they are not rebooked on time. Under EU regulations, compensation ranges as follows: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km for flights up to 1,500 km €400 for flights between 1,500–3,500 km for flights between 1,500–3,500 km €600 for flights over 3,500 km (if delay exceeds four hours) Airlines may offer airline vouchers, but passengers should be aware they can often request cash compensation instead of vouchers for cancelled flight compensation. Some travelers choose to work with third-party claim services that handle the entire compensation process. These platforms: Pros: Save time Experts handle documentation and negotiation Cons: Take a percentage of the payout Not all services are legitimate Be sure to research service fees and success rates before signing up. In most cases, if the claim is straightforward, passengers can handle it directly. To maximize your chances of a successful claim: Save all documents : boarding passes, delay notifications, emails : boarding passes, delay notifications, emails Take notes or pictures of delay announcements or pictures of delay announcements Remain calm and respectful when communicating with airline staff when communicating with airline staff Use apps like FlightAware or TripIt to track and record flight delay info This proactive approach helps make a strong case for flight cancelled compensation or delays. Navigating flight delay compensation can feel overwhelming, but knowing your rights makes all the difference. Whether it's compensation for delayed flights or cancelled flight compensation, passengers should stay informed, act promptly, and not hesitate to seek what they are rightfully owed. Empowered with knowledge, travelers can now turn frustrating delays into compensated inconveniences—keeping their journey on track, even when the flight is not. 🛄 Don't stress the delay — claim what you're owed! Airline Help makes flight delay compensation simple. Reach out at 800-594-4991 (OTA) and let us handle the hassle. Yes, if the delay was caused by the airline and led to a missed connection, compensation may apply. Extraordinary circumstances like bad weather often exempt the airline from compensation for flight delay. Generally, no. Compensation is not considered income but confirm with local tax authorities. Yes, especially under EU laws or if stranded overnight. This is separate from flight cancellation compensation. Read Also: What is the Safest Seat on a Plane? TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CBS News
15 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
Who's responsible for cracked streetlights leaning over a Boston road?
The I-Team is getting the bottom of a potentially dangerous problem in a Boston neighborhood. Ann Marie Ford lives in Dorchester and says she's concerned about the streetlights along Gallivan Boulevard. Many look to be in in disrepair, and she says they could pose a danger. Ann Marie pointed out the cracks, rust and crumbling concrete telling the I-Team, "I was kind of shocked, because we just saw the one and then when we looked up, we saw them all down the median and it's dangerous." "Someone could get killed" Potentially dangerous because the light poles are leaning into the street. We brought in Wentworth Institute of Technology Engineering Professor James Lambrechts who explained the danger. "Someone could get killed," Lambrechts said. Streetlight leaning on Gallivan Blvd. in Boston. CBS Boston Lambrechts says it's clear the poles are leaning towards the highway. "As it leans more, it bends more," Lambrechts said. "Its foundation is going to be overloaded. That's not good." Lambrechts found the poles are not just leaning, but cracking. "These are not good things for the pole to have this problem and it shouldn't be like this," Lambrechts said. Who owns the streetlights? Gallivan Boulevard is a state DOT road. The I-Team asked for the inspection reports for the streetlights. DOT told us DCR owns the road. It does not. State records show Gallivan Boulevard was transferred to DOT in 2009. DOT then said Eversource owns the poles and told us it has notified the utility company about possible safety or maintenance issues. But they could not tell us when the poles were last inspected or whether the repairs or maintenance had been done. "You got to come out and maintain these things every once in a while," Lambrechts said. "They all need to be inspected, evaluated and replaced as necessary." Eversource has received calls about streetlights As for Eversource, it refused to provide the I-Team with any records, but released a statement: "Delivering safe, reliable energy service to our customers is always our top priority, and we are constantly working to maintain and upgrade our local electric distribution system across Massachusetts. With respect to the streetlights on Gallivan Boulevard, our maintenance responsibilities currently include maintenance of the pole, cable and luminaire. We also inspect these streetlights annually for stray voltage, and if we record an elevated voltage reading or other issue on a Gallivan Boulevard streetlight structure, we provide those findings and locations to the commonwealth. Our troubleshooters - who are out in our communities 24/7 - are also constantly evaluating the condition of infrastructure, including streetlights, as part of their daily work. If our crews observe that a pole's condition poses a safety risk to the public, we work as quickly as possible to address that risk with the appropriate repairs, including replacements when needed. It is important to note that there are different considerations for concrete streetlight poles compared to a wooden utility pole, and if a concrete streetlight pole may have a lean, or visible crack, it doesn't necessarily pose a risk to public safety. Gallivan Boulevard is a highly traversed state roadway with motor vehicle accidents that can cause such damage. Our customer call center has received a handful of calls about streetlights on Gallivan Boulevard this year, and any reports made to our call center about streetlight conditions get assigned for additional inspection. The City of Boston and our state agencies also have dedicated account representatives who communicate with those entities on a daily basis, and we have not received any separate recent complaints regarding streetlights on Gallivan Boulevard from state agencies or the city. When we do receive complaints, we have a process in place to coordinate with MassDOT and the City of Boston to quickly address any potential safety or reliability issues. Any decision to make a repair or to replace a pole is prioritized solely by safety and reliability." Problem light poles in Boston Lambrechts says it's their responsibility to maintain the poles. "If it falls over it's not safe," Lambrechts said. The risk of light poles in poor condition falling is real. In September of 2022, a woman was seriously injured when a corroded streetlight fell on the Moakley Bridge in Boston. An I-Team investigation found the city knew about the problem as far back as 2017. WBZ also uncovered a state report from months earlier showing the poles required immediate repair, but nothing was done. After the incident the city removed nearly two dozen dangerous poles. As for the streetlights on Gallivan Boulevard, Lambrechts says maybe there is a protocol to change these out, but if not, he says he would not drive on the roadway in a storm. Just weeks ago, DOT started a new program requiring inspections and the keeping of records for structures along their roadways, regardless of who owns them.
Car and Driver
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Cars' Forward Blind Zones Are Worse Now Than 25 Years Ago: Study
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has developed a new way to measure a driver's outward visibility from a vehicle. DOT researchers used the method to examine the change in what a driver can see out of multiple generations of popular vehicles produced over the past 25 years. The results show that, for the selected vehicles (Chevrolet Suburban, Ford F-150, Honda Accord and CR-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Camry), the outward view has decreased. When we review a new vehicle, we pay close attention to how easy or difficult it is to see out of, and that information makes it into everything from road tests to comparisons to our buyer's guide. But even our exhaustive test regimen doesn't spit out a quantifiable value for outward visibility. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has a new method to look at what drivers can't look at, and the results of a DOT study using the method suggest that things have gotten worse over the past quarter-century. The IIHS came up with an easier way to repeatably measure and compare what a driver can see in a 180-degree forward-facing view out of a vehicle. The method involves a special portable camera rig that captures a driver's view. That image is then processed to determine what percentage of the road in a specified radius is visible, and what's blocked by the vehicle's A-pillars, hood, and side-view mirrors. The result is an aerial view of where the driver's vision is obstructed—the blind zone—as well as a percentage of the surrounding area that's visible. Previously, this task required either access to engineering drawings or a specially prepared area in which to take measurements. Researchers can also use lasers for this, but, according to the IIHS, that method doesn't capture zones blocked by side-view mirrors or the wide bases of a vehicle's A-pillars. For the study, researchers with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Volpe Center used the IIHS method to examine every generation of some popular vehicles sold between 1997 and 2023. The models chosen were the Chevrolet Suburban, the Ford F-150, the Honda Accord, the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Toyota Camry. The analysis measured how much of a 10-meter radius is visible to a driver; this distance was chosen because that's approximately how much space a driver needs to react and stop when traveling at 10 mph. The study also measured visibility between 10 and 20 meters from the vehicle. The biggest model-specific difference was observed with the Honda CR-V. In a 1997 model, the researchers measured 68 percent visibility, while the 2022 came in at just 28 percent. In a 2000 Suburban, the study measured 56 percent visible area within the 10-meter radius, but in a 2023 model it was down to 28 percent. The study concluded that higher hoods on newer versions of both models had the biggest impact on outward visibility. The F-150 started out with low visibility (43% for a 1997 model) and also declined (36% for the 2015 version). The two sedans in the study saw the least regression: A 2003 Accord was measured at 65 percent visibility, with the 2023 close behind at 60 percent, and the Camry went from 61 percent for the 2007 model to 57 percent for a 2023. Results for visibility between 10 and 20 meters were mixed, with some improving and others decreasing over subsequent generations. The study also notes that, during the same time period, pedestrian and bicyclist deaths on U.S. roads increased dramatically—37 and 42 percent, respectively. While this is not conclusive evidence across the industry, the results from these representative vehicles suggest an overall decline in outward frontal visibility. The study also notes that, during the same time period, pedestrian and bicyclist deaths on U.S. roads increased dramatically—37 and 42 percent, respectively. There's likely at least some causation with that correlation, even when you consider the addition of features such as automated emergency braking that are meant to intervene and prevent such collisions. Anecdotally, it's pretty clear that it has gotten harder to see out of new vehicles over the years. We're now at a point where technology like digital rearview cameras is augmenting—or, in the case of the rear-window-less Polestar 4, replacing—what a driver can see from the helm. This, along with features such as blind-spot monitoring, seems to have emboldened designers to further shrink the glass on a vehicle and worry less about what parts of the body obstruct the outward view. While we welcome this new measurement technique developed by the IIHS, it's interesting to note that some of the group's own ratings may also play into this reduction in forward view. Enlarging A-pillars, along with increased use of high-strength steel, is one way automakers improve a vehicle's crash performance, especially in rollover testing. Those changes, of course, have the negative downstream effect of obstructing a driver's vision. The Volpe Center researchers conclude that this new measurement method shows promise, and they believe the trend of worsening outward visibility warrants further study. David Gluckman Contributing Editor Ever since David was a wee Car and Driver intern, he has kept a spreadsheet listing all the vehicles he's driven and tested. David really likes spreadsheets. He can parallel-park a school bus and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. After taking a break from journalism to work on autonomous vehicles, he's back writing for this and other automotive publications. When David's not searching for the perfect used car, you can find him sampling the latest in gimmicky, limited-edition foodstuffs.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Air is Money: Underinflated Tires Cost U.S. Drivers $18.6B Each Year, Firestone Estimates
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American drivers overspend approximately $18.6 billion annually on fuel because nearly half are driving on underinflated tires, according to a report released today by Firestone Complete Auto Care (Firestone)1. As summer driving season begins, the company estimates drivers could take an extra 500-mile road trip with the money they may save by properly inflating their tires each year2. The survey from America's largest network of automotive service providers is based on data collected from the 9.7 million cars serviced at the more than 1,800 Firestone stores between June 2024 and March 20253. Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance, which may require a vehicle to use more gas to move forward. Underinflation could also result in accelerated tire wear and increased vehicle emissions. 'Paying attention to your tires saves money, helps the planet, and keeps you safer on the road,' said Melissa Vaglio, vice president of retail operations, Bridgestone Retail Operations. 'Proper tire inflation is one of the simplest ways to keep more money in your wallet. We encourage drivers to lean on us as a trusted neighbor for a free inflation check and air top-off, early and often.' In its official report, " How to Get Money from Thin Air: The Hidden Benefits of Proper Tire Inflation,' the tire and automotive service provider outlines surprising findings, including: Firestone recommends drivers check their tire pressure monthly, as well as before long trips or when carrying an extra load, using a tire pressure gauge. In addition to potential savings at the pump, proper tire inflation pressure can help maximize vehicle performance, improve steering and handling, avoid irregular tire wear, and may extend tire life. Drivers can find the correct tire inflation information for their vehicle in the vehicle owner's manual or on the tire information placard located in the driver's side door panel. Drivers can visit any Firestone Complete Auto Care location for a free tire pressure check and air inflation9. For store hours and more information, visit To learn more about how tire air pressure can help drivers save money and download the full report, visit 1 Based on the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics March 2025 unleaded premium per gallon (BLS), DOT NHTSA report, DOT FHWA 2023 HSS, FCAC 1p, calculated as follows: 273,486,407 Total Data Set Vehicles (DOT FHWA 2023 HSSS) multiplied by 16.69 Average Gallons Wasted Per Vehicle (DOT FHWA 2023 HSSS) multiplied by $4.08 Average Gas Price (BLS). 2 Based on data from the DOT NHTSA report, DOT FHWA 2023 HSS, FCAC 1p, DOE 2025, calculated as follows: 18.4 Average Wasted Gallons by Vehicle Type multiplied by 27.83 Average MPG results in 512.03 miles. 3 Based on Firestone Complete Auto Care first-party (FCAC 1p) data from June 1, 2024 to March 2, 2025, excluding Alaska, Maine, Utah, and Vermont, as FCAC does not have service centers in these states. 4 Based on FCAC 1p data (excluding states without FCAC service centers), calculated as follows: 4,030,986 Vehicles with Air Pumped by FCAC divided by the number of 9,687,710 Total Vehicles Seen at FCAC. 5 Based on FCAC 1p data, calculated as follows: Volume of Air Added to Vehicles divided by the Number of Vehicles Needing Air. 6 Based on FCAC 1p data. 7 Based on the Department of Energy's 2025 Datasets for All Model Years (DOE 2025) and FCAC 1p data. 8 Based on wasted gallon input of 4,564,488,132.83 (where 1 gallon of gasoline is equal to 0.009 metric tons of carbon dioxide) into the US Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator found at: 9 No purchase necessary. About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play. About Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC: Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO) is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. and operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world — more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States — including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care operations are also part of BSRO. BSRO is a member of the Bridgestone Americas family of companies. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Bridgestone Retail Operations
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ELP Rule Threatens 10% of Truckers, Risks Carrier CSA Scores
The English Language Proficiency (ELP) rule, now in effect, could significantly reduce trucking capacity. For a decade, large truckload carriers have embraced regulations like the ELD mandate and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to limit market capacity, but effects were typically short-lived. The ELP mandate, enforced by a DOT Executive Order, requires commercial drivers to demonstrate English proficiency or face out-of-service (OOS) violations. FreightWaves estimates 10% of CDL holders may lack sufficient proficiency, based on insurance executive insights. Will carriers comply with enforcement? DOT and law enforcement officers can issue OOS violations to non-compliant drivers, a major deterrent. When DOT officers or law enforcement deem a commercial driver or vehicle unsafe, often due to hours-of-service breaches, vehicle defects, improper load securement, or driving under the influence, they issue OOS violations. The DOT now includes English language proficiency as grounds for placing a driver out of service. These violations appear on a driver's Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report for three years and affect a carrier's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score for two years. Poor CSA scores raise insurance costs and lower shipper rankings, discouraging carriers from risking violations. Although the ELP mandate did not create new laws, as English proficiency requirements preexisted, it empowers DOT and law enforcement to place non-compliant drivers out of service, reversing Obama Administration guidance to overlook such violations. Like a credit score, a CSA score influences insurance rates and shipper partnerships. Shippers often query CSA scores in RFPs and onboarding to assess reliability, deprioritizing carriers with eroding scores by shifting freight to safer alternatives, lowering them in routing guides, or excluding them from contracts. Non-compliant carriers face severe consequences. A driver under a load placed out of service cannot move cargo until compliant, risking service failures and cargo theft from stranded loads. Brokers overlooking such carriers will face disruptions, prompting shippers to avoid them to protect cargo and ensure reliability Capacity is close to being in balance with volume, with outbound tender rejection rates sitting at 6.77%, in spite of weak truckload demand. The post ELP Rule Threatens 10% of Truckers, Risks Carrier CSA Scores appeared first on FreightWaves. Sign in to access your portfolio
