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Comment by jimktrains2 | Hacker News Reader

Doesn't the end of this article state that that may not be in effect for extrodinary circumstances out of the airlines' control?

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Most (some?) airlines will just suck up the cost though in those extrodinary circumstances (bad weather for example), as a general policy to keep their customers sane. Not sure if they'll give you direct compensation, but most will pay for food/drink, some place to stay overnight if need be and rebook your flight for free too if it's cancelled outright.

What airlines do you fly with? Comp for hotel and food is paid but the EU comp is really hard to get. There's a reason that so many services specialise on getting that money for passengers for a fee. It's not just Ryanair and Easyjet making it hard to claim. Haven't heard of a single case where reasons as that one led to a payout.

> Most (some?) airlines will just suck up the cost though in those extrodinary circumstances (bad weather for example), as a general policy to keep their customers sane

not even remotely true

I kind of doubt that matte_black's gamble (because that's what "insurance" is for costs which you could easily carry yourself if need be, unlike e.g. medical costs) would include that either. Then again, I'm surprised how many "insurances" cover things under your control (like dropping a device) so I might be wrong.

I would be 100% covered up to $500.

I’d rather deal with a credit card company than a government anyway.

Your 'Merkin is showing. Wrong again. You deal with the airline. Not the 'government'

If the airline does you wrong, at that point the CAA takes it up on your behalf. CAA ~= FAA

I have no desire to deal with an airline that has already fucked up a flight, and is probably already swamped. As soon as they give me the options for the next flight, I’ll take my own taxi, get my own hotel, and have Chase pick up the tab.

Whatever floats your boat.

It's clearly a fundamental cultural difference. An inherent distrust of government and corporations, along with a willingness to pay to avoid issues, compared to, well, a modicum of trust in government, and an established legal framework that protects the customer from the corporation.

I've been on the receiving end of delayed flights too. The agent was polite and simply offered me an alternative flight, or the compensation/refund, all at the desk. There was no animosity or distrust, just "here's what we both have to do".

I wasn't defending matte_black, just pointing out the the regulation referenced by ggp may not apply.

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