Just landed after sitting on the tarmac for 3 hours. The crew never told us what was wrong, just kept saying 'mechanical issues.' I had a tight connection and missed my next flight. Is there any compensation or information I'm entitled to?
Don't accept "mechanical issues" as a final answer - push the airline for specifics in writing, because that matters for compensation claims. You're potentially entitled to reimbursement under DOT rules depending on how long the delay was and whether it was truly beyond their control (weather, air traffic) versus negligence on their part. The pitfall everyone misses: airlines will sometimes blame "mechanical" when they really mean understaffing or scheduling failures, which actually does qualify you for money. File a formal complaint with the airline naming the flight number and date, keep all your receipts for the missed connection, and if they lowball you, small claims court or a travel compensation service can push back - just don't wait months to do it, since there are time limits.
I've had delays like that myself, and it's frustrating when crews stay vague about what's happening. "Mechanical issues" is deliberately broad because airlines won't always disclose specifics until they're sure of the problem - could be anything from a sensor malfunction to a hydraulic check, and they don't want to speculate and then contradict themselves. You're entitled to compensation depending on your location and flight distance: in the EU, that's typically €250 - 600 if the delay was over 3 hours due to the airline's responsibility, though mechanical issues sometimes get classified as extraordinary circumstances, which can exempt them. File a claim with the airline or use a flight compensation service, and request documentation of what caused the delay - they have to provide it if you ask officially.
Get everything in writing from the airline right now, while the flight is fresh in their system - that's your only leverage for a compensation claim later. "Mechanical issues" covers everything from a faulty sensor to an engine problem, and the airline has zero incentive to spell it out unless you force them. Call their customer service line, reference your flight number and date, and ask them to provide the specific reason for the delay in writing via email. Keep that email.
Depending on where you were flying and which direction, you may qualify for compensation. If this was a domestic US flight, the DOT doesn't mandate compensation for delays (only for overselling), but you're entitled to rebooking on another flight at no extra cost and, if the airline caused the delay, meals and hotel if you're stuck overnight. International flights have stricter rules - EU regulations give you up to €600 depending on distance, and Canada and Australia have their own schemes. Most airlines will try to weasel out of paying if you don't have documentation, so that written response matters.
Start by filing a complaint with the airline's customer relations department within 30 days. Include your missed connection and any expenses you incurred getting to your destination another way. If they deny you, file with your country's aviation authority (DOT in the US, CAA in the UK, etc.). It's annoying work, but airlines bank on people giving up. The fact that they kept you in the dark for three hours without updates just makes their case weaker.
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