Airport disruption evidence checklist

Before you leave the airport

Save the original booking, every boarding pass and the full replacement itinerary. Record the actual arrival time at the final destination and ask the airline to state the disruption cause in writing. Photograph the departure board and preserve messages in the airline app, email or text.

• Booking reference and ticket number
• Operating airline and flight number
• Original and replacement itineraries
• Notice times, gate changes and final arrival time
• Written explanation of the disruption cause

For delays and cancellations

Ask what rerouting, refund and care options are available before accepting one. Keep compensation, reasonable care expenses and unused-ticket refunds as separate questions. If you buy essentials because the airline cannot provide care, keep the spending reasonable and retain itemised receipts.

• First delay or cancellation notice and timestamp
• Every alternative flight offered
• Meals, hotel and ground-transport receipts
• Voucher terms before acceptance
• Names or case numbers from airline staff

For denied boarding

Record whether you volunteered or were involuntarily denied boarding. Ask the airline for the written notice of your rights, the reason you were denied, the alternative itinerary and the compensation calculation where required. An accepted volunteer offer and an involuntary bump are different situations.

For delayed, lost or damaged baggage

Report the problem promptly and keep the Property Irregularity Report or baggage file reference. Retain baggage tags, photographs, purchase evidence and receipts for necessary interim items. International baggage claims can carry short written-notice deadlines, so do not wait for a flight-disruption response.

Build one clean claim file

Put the timeline, requested remedies, receipts and supporting records in one folder. Submit through the operating airline’s official channel, save the confirmation and avoid duplicate claims for the same remedy. If escalation is needed, use the body responsible for the framework that governs the flight.