FlyerTalk Forums - Denied compensation [U2] for delay

Hi,

We checked in for our flight and got on a plane when the pilot accidentally cause the tuck car to get stucked under the plane. After this we had to get off and wait for information. After a few hours we were told by EasyJet our flight is being delayed by 26 hours. We weren't given any additional information on what are our rights except being told there is accommodation arranged at the airport.

As we were only travelling for the weekend it would mean we would be going into our destination for less than 20 hours. We called up the airline and asked about the possibility of changing flights to another date. We were told this isn't for free unless the flight is cancelled. We asked about a refund and were told we can get this.

We submitted both expenses claim for our first night in hotel which we still got charged and our train tickets to and from airport. We also submitted the compensation form.

The response given to expenses was we aren't getting it as apparently they arranged the transport (this isn't true - there was no announcement regarding this and the stuff didn't mentioned anything like when we talked to them).

To our compensation claim we were told we aren only allowed this if we actually got on the delayed flight. However the EU regulation states if the flight is delayed for over 5 hours we have a right to cancel the flight. Moreover any delays over three hours are treated as cancels in relation to the compensation.

I have looked through the regulation from every side I can't see a mention that we would have to get on the flight?? Moreover the airline didn't nothing to inform us about our rights, while the regulation says it's an obligation.

If we were told we weren't allowed to claim if we don't get on the flight we would still be in plus of £230 if the compensation was given and we used it to cover for the hotel charge and the flight.

I really don't understand how this is a rightful practice.

Thanks.