SZÓBELI: Delayed flight

Summer is the peak season of travelling. Airplanes and airports are packed and it’s very annoying when your flight is delayed. Even if airlines do their best to depart and arrive on time delay is common and you’re lucky if it’s just a short delay. If you provided your phone number when booking the flight the airline may send you notifications about the delay. A notification usually says something like the following: „We regret to advise the departure of your flight is currently delayed. The new expected departure time is 6.30 p.m.” Check-in and bag drop-off times remain unaffected though so it doesn’t mean that you can take your time arriving at the airport as you should check in as normal. If you have checked in baggage you should be at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight. If you have only cabin baggage and paid for priority probably it’s safe to arrive at the airport one and a half hours before departure time. Make sure that the traffic conditions on the roads are favourable so that you won’t miss your flight because of an unexpected traffic jam. Security checks may take long to get through and can be tiresome because of the long queues. You can quicken up the process by putting your toiletries in plastic bags and emptying your pockets so that the security gate won’t beep. Once you’ve passed through security and you’re in the transit area check the information board regularly to see the status of your flight and the degree of the delay. As a precaution always keep necessary items like medications, snacks, and chargers in your carry-on. If the delay is long, the airline may provide meal vouchers or accommodation. If you have access to airline lounges, use them for a more comfortable waiting experience. Depending on the airline and the length of the delay, you may be entitled to compensation. This varies by country and airline policy. For flights in the EU, you might be entitled to compensation if the delay is more than 3 hours. Save all boarding passes, receipts, and communications with the airline. This will be useful if you need to file a compensation claim later. Also, check if your travel insurance covers delays. Many policies provide compensation for delays over a certain number of hours.

Passenger: Excuse me, I’ve just heard and seen on the information board that my flight to New York has been delayed. Can you tell me what’s going on?
Airline representative: Of course, and I apologize for the inconvenience. Let me check the details for you. Could you please provide me with your flight number?
Passenger: It’s Flight 818.
Airline representative: Thank you. It appears that Flight 818 is delayed due to some unforeseen maintenance issues. We’re working to resolve them as quickly as possible, but the new estimated departure time is 4 hours from now.
Passenger: Oh no, that’s quite a delay. Is there any chance of getting on another flight?
Airline representative: I understand your concern. Let me see what other options are available. Unfortunately, all other flights to New York today are fully booked. However, we can put you on standby in case a seat opens up.
Passenger: I see. What are my rights in this situation? Can I get any compensation or assistance?
Airline representative: Since the delay is over three hours, you may be entitled to compensation. Additionally, we can provide you with meal vouchers, and if the delay extends further, we can assist with hotel accommodation.
Passenger: That’s good to know. How do I claim the compensation?
Airline representative: You can file a claim on our website under the “Customer Service” section, or I can give you a form to fill out right here. You’ll need to provide details about the flight and the delay.
Passenger: I’ll probably do it online later. Could you give me the meal vouchers now?
Airline representative: Certainly. Here are your meal vouchers. They can be used at any of the restaurants in the terminal.
Passenger: Thank you. I also have a connecting flight in New York. What will happen with that?
Airline representative: Let me check your itinerary. I see you’re connecting to Los Angeles. Given the delay, you’ll miss your connection. We will rebook you on the next available flight to Los Angeles once you arrive in New York.
Passenger: I appreciate your help. Is there a way I can keep updated on the status of this flight?
Airline representative: Yes, you can sign up for Messenger alerts or check our airline’s app and website for real-time updates. I’ll also keep you informed if there are any further changes.
Passenger: Great, I’ll sign up for the alerts. Thanks for your assistance.
Airline representative: You’re welcome. I’m sorry again for the inconvenience, and we’ll do our best to ensure you reach your destination as smoothly as possible.

IMPORTANT PHRASES

I apologize for the inconvenience – Elnézést kérek a kényelmetlenségért.
Can you provide me with your flight number? – Megadná a járatszámát?
due to some unforeseen maintenance issues – előre nem látható karbantartási munkák miatt
new estimated departure time – az indulás várható új időpontja
Is there any chance of getting on another flight? – Van lehetőség másik járattal utazni?
I understand your concern.  – Megértem az aggodalmát.
in case a seat opens up – ha megürül egy hely
What are my rights in this situation?  – Mik a jogaim ebben a helyzetben?
Can I get any compensation or assistance? – Kaphatok valami kártérítést vagy segítséget?
How do I claim the compensation? – Hogyan igényelhetem a kártérítést?
given the delay – a késés miatt
You will miss your connection. – Le fogja késni a csatlakozó járatát.
once you arrive in New York – amint megérkezik New Yorkba
I appreciate your help.  – Értékelem a segítségét.
Thanks for your assistance. – Köszönöm a segítségét.
as smoothly as possible – a lehetőségekhez képest a legsimábban

IMPORTANT WORDS

information board – tájékoztató tábla
to be delayed – késni
to resolve – megoldani
to be fully booked – teljesen tele van, nincs rajta szabad hely
standby – üres helyre várakozó
to be entitled to sg – jogosultnak lenni valamire
meal voucher – étkezési kupon
to extend further – még hosszabbra nyúlni
to file a claim – igényt benyújtani
connecting flight – csatlakozó járat
itinerary – útvonal, útiterv
to connect – átszállni
to rebook– átfoglalni
to sign up – feliratkozni
alert – értesítés, riasztás
destination – úticél