Your LOT flight is delayed. You see the flight status online.
Now you might be wondering whether to proceed to the airport as per your original plan or stay back at home or hotel. The duration of the delay can be unpredictable, ranging from 30 minutes to as long as 23 hours. In case of a prolonged delay, waiting at the airport for a full day can be frustrating. Therefore, the question arises – should you head to the airport or wait a little longer?
The answer is not straightforward and depends on the situation. However, for the most part, the solution is simple.
Should You Wait or Proceed as Planned?
Your LOT flight is delayed.
Your next course of action will primarily depend on your current location.
Where are you right now? At your home? Or at the airport?
1. You Are at the Gate, Waiting for Your Flight
You have already reached the airport and are waiting at the gate for your flight when you learn that your LOT flight is delayed. It can be frustrating to receive such news while you are already there. So, what should you do in such a situation?
The best course of action is to wait at the gate as updates on your flight status will soon follow.
2. You Haven’t Gone Through Airport Security
In the event of a flight delay, if you are waiting to pass through airport security, it is advisable to stay where you are. Before heading to security, confirm whether there are any updates on the check-in time for your flight. If the check-in time has been delayed, avoid going through security right now.
It is best to wait until more updates are available before proceeding through security.
Even if you have already completed online check-in, it is better to wait and not go through security until the check-in begins.
3. You Are at Home or Hotel
In the event of learning about your flight delay while still at home, it is essential to find out if the check-in time has been postponed. You can do this by contacting LOT or checking with the airport information desk.
This step is crucial because if the check-in time has also been delayed, there’s no need to hurry to the airport right away. However, if the check-in time remains unchanged, it’s best to stick to your schedule and proceed to the airport as planned, especially if you have to complete airport check-in and have checked baggage.
If the check-in is delayed, stay back at home or your hotel.
On the other hand, if the check-in is not delayed, go to the airport as planned.
How to Check LOT Flight Status Online?
Are you wondering how to check your LOT flight status online? Here are some easy ways:
- Visit the website of the airport from where your flight is departing.
- Access your airline’s website, in this case, lot.com.
- Use flight trackers such as Flightradar24.
It is highly recommended to check your flight status before heading to the airport, especially if you have an early morning flight. It can be a hassle to arrive at the airport at 5 am and end up waiting for several hours due to flight delays or cancellations. It’s better to get some rest at home instead.
Moreover, it is crucial to check again just before leaving your home or hotel to ensure that there are no unexpected changes to your flight status.
Travelers learn about flight delays through various channels:
- SMS or email notifications.
- Online flight status checks.
- Updates upon arrival at the airport or gate.
What If You Are Going to Miss Connecting Flight?
Your LOT flight is delayed.
What should you do if you are going to miss your connecting flight?
If you have a LOT connecting flight, there’s no need to worry about missing your connection as you are protected. The airline will provide a new flight free of charge if you miss your connecting flight, and you don’t have to search for a new flight on your own. All you need to do is to seek assistance from LOT staff at the airport if you miss your connecting flight.
However, if you have a self-transfer flight, it’s your responsibility to catch the next flight. If you miss it, you will have to purchase a new flight on your own. However, you might still be eligible for LOT flight delay compensation or cancellation compensation (if the flight is cancelled) for that particular flight.
Right to Care at the Airport
If you are stranded at the airport due to a flight delay, cancellation or overbooking you are entitled to certain care benefits (i.e., right to care from LOT).
As per regulations, if the delay lasts for at least 3 hours during the daytime, LOT is required to provide you with a complimentary meal and drink. Additionally, they have to provide you with two means of communication, such as phone calls, emails, or faxes.
In case the delay extends until the next day, LOT must offer you a free hotel stay, transportation to and from the airport, and one or two free meals.
If you have not yet received any of these benefits, it is essential to contact LOT for assistance.
Could You Be Entitled to LOT Flight Delay Compensation?
Indeed, you might be eligible for flight delay compensation from LOT if your flight is delayed.
If the delay exceeds three hours, or if your flight is cancelled without at least 14 days’ notice, you could be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros according to EU regulations, the only exception being any extraordinary circumstances.
This applies to everyone – irrespective of the price of the ticket or your nationality.
Be sure to keep your boarding pass and other travel papers, as they could be necessary for a compensation claim. If you need assistance with the process, our partners provide services that can aid you in claiming your compensation from LOT.
Are You Eligible for Compensation in the Event of a LOT Strike?
If the delay or cancellation of your LOT flight is due to a strike, the circumstances of the strike determine your eligibility for compensation.
If airport personnel, air traffic control, or a labor strike not involving LOT directly initiates the strike, it’s generally considered an extraordinary event, and airlines are usually not held responsible.
But, if the strike involves LOT’s own staff, it’s probable that the airline will have to compensate its passengers. Always review the unique circumstances of your delay or cancellation and corroborate what the airline tells you. See our article about LOT strike compensation.
Can You Receive a Compensation for Delays Due to Aircraft Technical Glitches?
Yes, should your LOT flight be delayed because of technological problems with the aircraft, you might be entitled to flight delay compensation.
Mostly, such issues are not deemed extraordinary circumstances.
However, there may be exceptions in some cases, such as if the technical problems were a result of hidden manufacturing defects.
What would you do in a similar situation? If your LOT flight is delayed. Have you ever received flight delay compensation from LOT? Share your experience in the comments.
Featured photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels