Missing cutlery, ‘weird smells’ and a MOUSE: Most bizarre reasons for flight delays revealed

Snakes on a plane may make for a film idea; insects or a mouse on the plane, however, simply makes for irate passengers and a string of compensation claims.

They are among the bizarre reasons that flights have been delayed or cancelled as revealed by compensation firm EUclaim.

Ryanair flight FR3475 from Malta to Eindhoven was delayed for 24 hours due to “insects on the plane” in July.

In August 2015 a ‘weird smell’ on easyJet flight U28652 caused delays for passengers travelling from Ibiza to Gatwick. But, perhaps the strangest excuse from the budget airline came in June, when passengers travelling from Belfast to Amsterdam were delayed because of a ‘missing crew member’. History does not recount whether the crew member was ever found.

Adeline Noorderhaven, UK Manager of EUclaim said: “While some of the reasons for delayed flights are undeniably comical, we know it can be hard to see the funny side if it’s your flight that’s delayed. Waiting over three hours because there’s a mouse loose on the plane can be unnerving as well as frustrating!”

In 2011, flight SK945 from Stockholm to Chicago was delayed by Scandinavian Airlines after crew spotted a mouse in the cabin.

One flight was delayed by a mouse

Ms Noorderhaven added: “These types of incidents should not be happening and it’s the airlines’ job to make sure unwanted animals and smells don’t get on board in the first place. Whatever the reason for the delay may be, all passengers are entitled to compensation – should they be forced to wait three hours or more”.

A more common reason for delays is smoking in the toilet. In June a Jet2 flight from Glasgow to Ibiza suffered massive delays when a passenger was caught lighting up in the loo.

Missing cutlery – as an excuse – however, is a little more ‘unique’ said Ms Noorderhaven. “I had to re-read the claim form to make sure I was reading right, but our client was spot-on! In August a Thomas Cook flight from Cancun to Stanstead was delayed because of “missing cutlery”.

Ms Noorderhaven said: “Airlines responsible for these let downs are unlikely to offer up information about claiming for compensation as they don’t want to lose out. But we urge all passengers affected to get in touch with EUclaim and get the compensation you rightfully deserve.”

The bizarre excuses for delays and cancellations:

Insects in the plane: Ryanair

Mouse in cabin: Scandinavian Airlines:

Drunk passenger: easyJet

Missing cutlery: Thomas Cook

Smoking in toilet: Jet2

Missing crew member: easyJet

Baggage vehicle collision: Ryanair

Weird smell: easyJet

Picture from Rex