2 flight cancellations force them to travel by bus in winter, father and son win Rs 20,000

The Chandigarh District Consumer Commission has ordered an airline to pay Rs 20,000 to a family who faced flight cancellations during winter, forcing them to travel by bus. Observing the distress faced by the passengers, the commission ruled that compensation was warranted. The family, including a minor son aged 17, booked confirmed round-trip tickets from Chandigarh to Hyderabad and back.

However, their return flight was delayed and its route changed, leading to a cancelled connecting flight from Hyderabad to Chandigarh. Consequently, the family had to travel by bus in harsh winter conditions, incurring additional expenses like accommodation, taxis, and food. Despite repeated attempts to rectify the situation, the airline refused adequate compensation.

The commission held that it would be just to award Rs 20,000 as compensation to the family, considering the disruption, loss of time, and mental anguish experienced.