What To Do During Qantas Flight Delays? | Reimbursements & Compensation 

Last updated on Nov 14th, 2024 by Heena Ganotra

Qantas is one of the most reputable airlines operating today. It has a good track record when it comes to service quality and consistency so most people don’t anticipate Qantas flight delays. However, these delays can happen and they can disrupt your travel plans. Most people don’t know what to do when these things happen, especially if they are on a tight schedule and end up facing monetary loss. Fortunately, there is a system in place to help you in such situations. You can get assistance and Qantas flight delay compensation on international flights and domestic flights. 

Reasons For Delayed Qantas Flights-

No matter how well-planned and well-organized an airline is, disruptions can happen. Last-minute airplane malfunctions, unexpected bad weather, issues at the airport, etc, can all cause delays. No matter how much an airline tries, there are a few ways to get around these issues.

Sometimes, it is human error that could’ve been avoided and sometimes it is a situation the airline can’t control. Regardless of the reason, you can expect to get some Qantas flight delay compensation in case you face any Qantas flight issues.

Laws Regarding Qantas Delays

If your flight is delayed or canceled, there are several laws in place to protect your interest and ensure the airline doesn’t take unfair advantage of you, and gives you proper air delay compensation. The laws that protect you include:

• Australian Consumer Law
• New Zealand Civil Aviation Act
• Warsaw Convention
• Montreal Convention

The protections you get depend on where and how you’re travelling. International flights are covered by international pacts and conventions while domestic flights are covered by local laws. Being aware of these protections will help you get fair compensation in the event of Qantas flight delays and ensure you get late flight compensation.

Why Are Qantas Flights Cancelled?

When the delay happens because of circumstances the airline can control, they are responsible for giving the necessary airport delay compensation. If the delay happens because of circumstances outside its control, the airline will still do its utmost to help you, but it can’t be held fully responsible for the consequences or for giving any Qantas delay compensation.

Circumstances in their control include:

• Qantas IT system outages
• Engineering Issues
• Mismanagement
• Late Cleaning and Loading
• Qantas Baggage Allowance Issues
• Crew and Staffing Issues
• Delayed Delivery of Baggage
• Overbooking 

Suggested Read: Steps To Claim Qantas Lost Baggage

Circumstances not in airline’s control include:

• Adverse Weather 
• Industrial Action by an Outside Party like the Government
• Air Traffic Control Issues
• Unforeseen Incidents or Accidents

It is important to understand the reason behind Qantas delayed flights before initiating any conversation with the airline regarding compensation or assistance. While irritation, worry, and frustration are natural in such cases, you should approach the airline with composure to ensure you get the best assistance. 

Wondering what to do in your free time while you face a Qantas delay?
Here’s a quick idea- Why not consider exploring the most famous and luxurious Qantas Lounge? Known for its refinement, this lounge is worth spending some time at! 

Qantas Compensation  – Delays Within the Airline’s Control 

If the situation is within the airline’s control and there are still delays, you can get Qantas delayed flight compensation or assistance from the airline. A lot depends on the circumstances and how much forewarning you have to make changes to your travel plan. Let’s look at what Qantas has to offer:

Away from Home Airport

• If the flight is delayed for more than 2 hours, you get a meal voucher but no transfers or accommodation from Qantas. 
• If the flight is delayed overnight but is available within 12 hours of the original departure time, you will get a meal voucher worth A$30 or the local equivalent, transfers, and accommodation from Qantas. 
• If you book accommodations and get food yourself, you will be given monetary reimbursement of A$30 and A$200 from the airline once you provide the receipt. 
• If the departure is delayed overnight and for more than 12 hours, the airline will provide transfer and accommodation along with an A$50 or the local equivalent in meal vouchers. 
• If the customer arranges the food and accommodations, the airline will reimburse in cash A$50 and A$200 against the receipts as Qantas compensation for delayed flight.

At Home Airport

• If the delay is for 2 hours or more, you will get a meal voucher but no transfers or accommodations. 
• If the delay is within or over 12 hours of departure, Qantas will cover the cab charge that you will incur while returning to your place of residence. No other expenses are covered. 
• The customer reserves the right to get a refund on their purchase if the flight is delayed or cancelled within 72 hours of its original departure time. In case of Qantas cancelled flight, you can rebook a Qantas flight without any additional charge as well. The airline will help make the necessary arrangements in such cases.

Refunds and Qantas Delay Compensation

Qantas Airways will issue a refund or compensation under specific circumstances ensuring you get a qantas flight cancellation compensation or delayed flight reimbursement. 

These circumstances include: 

• If the flight is delayed enough to significantly affect your travel plans and force you to cancel the trip. 
• If your flight is delayed and you are forced to cancel but Qantas can’t offer you a suitable alternative to fit your travel plans. 
• If the change to the schedule is significant and Qantas can’t offer a satisfactory alternate option as Qantas flight delays compensation. 
• If you miss a connecting Qantas flight with a confirmed booking due to the delay, you are eligible for a flight delay compensation Qantas. 
• If you have a confirmed reservation but Qantas is still unable to carry you, you will be eligible for Qantas flight compensation.

In these cases, you can appeal for a refund by contacting the Qantas customer care service directly. If part of the ticket is issued and other parts aren’t, you will get compensation for the parts Qantas wasn’t able to fulfill. For example, if your journey from New Delhi to Sydney went smoothly but Qantas couldn’t carry you from Sydney to Melbourne, you will get a refund for that arm of the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long do Qantas refunds take to be processed?

A: The refund request can take up to 8 weeks. You will be notified via email once the refund is processed completely. 

Q: Is Qantas Airways a reliable airline when it comes to business class?

A: Absolutely! It is one of the most reputed airlines for both business and economy class. You can check the Qantas A330 Business class review along with its seat map and economy class details here. 

Q. Can I cancel my Qantas flight and get a refund if there is a flight delay of 2 hours?

A: Yes, you can cancel the flight ticket and get a refund if there is a significant delay. We have explained the details in our post above.

Q. What is Qantas delayed flight compensation?

A: The compensation usually involves a full refund, alternate arrangements, meal voucher and/or accommodation. The compensation depends on the circumstances of your trip and the delay.

Q: Do I get compensation for a delayed flight in Australia?

A: Compensation for delayed flights Australia completely depends on the policies of your airline. However, in most of cases as per the laws mentioned above, your rights are protected and you get suitable reimbursement. 

Q: Is there any Qantas compensation for delayed baggage?

A: Yes, Qantas baggage services are always available to help you with your lost or delayed property. 

Q: Are any Qantas flights cancelled?

A: If you face the situation of a Qantas flight cancelled, it could be because of many reasons and circumstances in or out of the control of the airlines. However, in the case of Qantas cancelled flights today, you can always claim a flight cancellation compensation Australia. 

Q: When and how will I be notified if my flight is delayed?

A: You will find a link on the flight status result page for flights operated by Qantas and QantasLink. When you sign up for it, you will be able to receive notifications as to flight delays, arrival, and departure.

Now that you understand what happens when there are Qantas flight delays, you are ready for unexpected issues during your trip. Let’s get on with the most important part; actually booking the ticket!

MyTicketsToIndia offers exciting deals and affordable tickets to a wide range of destinations in India and Australia. If you want to save money while booking flights from Australia to India in comfort, we can help. We offer a personalized ticket booking service to help you find the best possible prices without even lifting a finger. Just call us on 1800 860 816 or fill in our form to get a callback. You can also join the live chat

About Heena | View Posts

A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness and kindness in abundance. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! :)

1. Jack says:

   December 25, 2022 at 5:43 am

   My flight has been delayed for over overnight 12+ hours, due to the significant change I called up to cancel my booking. Am I still entitled according to any law to receive flight compensation although I’ve cancelled my booking?, If yes how much?

   Reply