What Happened When My Jetstar Flight Got Cancelled

My Jetstar flight was cancelled and I ended up stuck in Singapore for two nights. Jetstar’s email laid out a compensation guide: SGD150 per room and SGD35 per person for meals. Instead of switching hotels, I stayed at my existing hotel, which cost SGD250 a night, SGD500 in total for the two nights.

How Much I Actually Claimed Back

I kept every single receipt. My meal costs went over the SGD35 per day guide, but because the claims were for my meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner, Jetstar accepted them without pushback. I also claimed transport costs to the airport, since the cancellation split me up from my travel partner and we both needed separate ways to get around.

The Guide Amounts Are Not a Hard Limit

Here’s the part most travellers get wrong. The SGD150 and SGD35 figures in Jetstar’s compensation email are a starting guide, not a cap on what you can claim. If your costs are reasonable and you have receipts to back them up, airlines will generally honour the claim even if it goes over their suggested amounts.

Tips For Claiming Flight Disruption Compensation

  • Keep every receipt, even small ones for transport or snacks
  • Stick to reasonable, necessary costs like meals, accommodation and transport
  • Don’t assume the guide amount is the maximum you’re allowed
  • Submit your claim promptly with clear documentation
  • If you’re separated from your travel party or have other inconveniences, make sure you note them in your claim

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

It’s still important to take out travel insurance for every trip you take. If Jetstar didn’t accept your claim or only partially reimbursed you for your costs, you could take the remaining claim to your travel insurance company. Always check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance to make sure you’re covered. If you forgot to take out travel insurance before you departed, check with your credit card company. Some offer travel insurance as part of their total offer.

Know Your Rights Before Your Next Flight Disruption

Flight cancellations are stressful, but knowing what you’re entitled to makes a real difference to your wallet. Airlines rarely volunteer this information, so it pays to understand the process before you’re standing at a departure gate with a cancelled boarding pass.

Have you had a flight cancelled and claimed compensation? Comment below and let us know what you claimed back. Follow 5 Star Trip for more on what you’re actually entitled to when things go wrong.