Wow! What a wonderful forum. (Sorry this is all run together -- I made coherent paragraphs but I don't know how to do formatting on this forum and it got weird)
In October last year, I posted a desperate middle-of-the-night question about what to do while Delta was first delaying my flight, then cancelling my reservation. After a couple of hours, I got my flight set up for the next day, and went home. When I did, I didn't log on again, catching up with my life. Meant to post the results of my experience to help others, but it fell on the "to do" list in our heads that never gets done.
Just logged on to start looking for info to Ireland, saw I had a private message -- it was from Carol -- asking me how it all worked out.
Yes, I got home -- yes, I actually had another wonderful day in Rome (one of the best days of my trip) -- and here's the thing: airline compensation works, and I have a few tips about what I did and why I think I was successful.
1) While your delay drama is actually happening, try to document as soon as possible, what actually happened. If you're getting real-time delay messages on your smartphone, take screen shots because in the case of Delta, those notifications kept disappearing.
2) Keep all your receipts of additional hotel, meal, etc. costs due to the delay
3) When you get home, Download AIR PASSENGER RIGHTS EU COMPLAINT FORM (eucomplaintform_en.pdf). The reason to use the EU form instead of Delta's form is that EU rules for airlines departing from EU are more generous than US rules. In my case I fell under the "over 4 hour rule." Be sure to use whatever app or website you have to document the actual delay time, because in my case, it was only 4 hours 34 minutes, so I barely squeaked by.
4) I think this is important:** I didn't submit the form to the EU. Instead I filled it out and sent it to Delta with my letter of claim. That way, they Delta is aware that you are aware of the better EU compensation rules.
5) Voila! 6 weeks later, here's what they sent me:
Hello Theresa,
RE: Case Number 14344688
Thanks for reaching out to us about your recent flight. I certainly understand how upsetting it must have been when your flight was delayed, you had to spend an unplanned night in Rome and you incurred unexpected costs as a result. I'm so sorry for any inconvenience this caused you.
Your travel falls under the guidelines of European Union Regulation (EC) 261/2004 defining an airline's requirements when flight changes occur. Delta Flight 241 on October 30 from Rome to Atlanta was delayed for 4 hours and 34 minutes due to a late arriving plane.
After reviewing this claim, compensation is due in accordance with the EU recommendations. I’ll request a check in the amount of EUR600.00 equivalent to $757.28. Please allow enough time for processing and postal delivery.
Additionally, please send in your receipts so I can review them for reimbursement consideration.
We appreciate your loyalty as a SkyMiles member and we look forward to providing you with great service on future flights.
Regards,
Brooke Michaels
You Share, We Care
$757. Not bad for them to pay me for another day in Rome. Also, I subsequently sent receipts and collected another $210 for a day's worth of hotel and meals.
Thanks again for this wonderful forum. I really hope this helps someone in the future.