If you are a frequent flyer, you would probably know that flight delays are inevitable. The worst part is that they have your trip spoilt, particularly if you have business plans scheduled ahead. Even those traveling for leisure are bound to be upset because delays may create confusion and irritation. While it is the responsibility of the airline to ensure that you reach your destination on time, there could be some avoidable and unavoidable reasons for flight delays. As a flyer, you need to know that you may even claim compensation for the delay according to the norms of the contract. Before that, you should understand the possible reasons for delays. Let us list them for you.

Bad weather

One of the most common reasons for flights getting delayed is bad weather. Unfortunately, it is not only the weather from where you are flying that affects the timing. Even the conditions of the entire route and destination can cause the airline to delaying the flight. Since this reason is unavoidable, you will probably not be compensated for the wastage of time. However, a cancellation entitles you to a refund.

Mechanical delay

As a procedure, pilots run a check before every flight and issues crop up several times. Since no airline would want to take any risk, a mechanical delay ensues. Usually, an operations team is called to perform a troubleshooting procedure that may take quite some time depending on the nature of the issue. This kind of delay is usually experienced when the passengers are already on board and nothing much can be done about it.

Catering

International flights are usually long and passengers need to be served food en route. At times, there are some delays due to catering providers reaching late or requiring some extra time to get the food prepared. This is another reason that you may come across if you are traveling by air and you simply have to bear it because there is no alternative than to wait.

Airport congestion

Excessive flight traffic can lead to airport congestion which is another reason for delay. Large airports across the globe face the problem of congestion as the number of flights and travelers increase at an alarming place. Frustrating as it may be, you will have no option but to wait when you have several flights in line ahead of yours.

Aircraft preparation

Getting an aircraft prepared for a flight means a lot of work. From cleaning to refueling and security checks, there is a big procedure involved. An operations team is in charge and has to follow a specific protocol for the preparation. Primarily, the airline is responsible to have this procedure completed in time so that there are no delays. Experts at FDC Claims can help you in seeking compensation if you have borne the brunt of the delays caused by an avoidable situation.

Security reasons

Security is one of the key concerns for international flights because aircraft that fly into foreign countries need to go through stringent security clearances before they are allowed to depart again. Most of the time, these clearances are detailed and time-consuming and result in delays, particularly when there are security issues that need to be resolved.

Waiting for the connecting passengers and cargo

If you are taking a connecting flight, you can expect a delay because of the waiting time for connecting passengers and cargo. A delay usually happens when the connecting passengers are already coming from a delayed flight. This is something unavoidable because you have no option but to wait until the passengers and cargo arrive and are boarded on the flight.

Waiting for the crew

As if waiting for the connecting passengers and cargo is not irritating enough, you may even have to wait for the crew in some situations. This usually happens if the crew is flying in from another flight that is already running late. There are certain norms that airlines have to follow with regard to the number of pilots and crew members and they absolutely have to adhere even if it means waiting for them.

Whatever may be the reason for the delay, it spells losses for both, the airline as well as the passengers. As a flyer, it is important to be aware of your rights and entitlements for the compensation that you can get due to delayed flights. A majority of passengers fail to get a claim just because of lack of awareness. Also, having a specialist to ensure that you get the claim is important.