Flying during a storm: what you need to know

Short answer: yes. Planes are built to handle storms, and pilots are trained to steer around the worst of them. What usually grounds a flight isn't danger in the air, but conditions on the ground: lightning near the stands or crosswinds on the runway.

Storm season has already arrived. On 4 October, storm-driven air traffic restrictions disrupted more than 4,000 flights across Europe. Here's what stormy weather means for your flight, and what you're entitled to if it goes wrong.

Is it safe to fly in a thunderstorm?

Yes. Pilots use weather radar to spot storm cells and fly around them, often with help from air traffic control. You may feel some turbulence. It's uncomfortable, but with your seatbelt fastened, it isn't dangerous.

What happens if a plane is struck by lightning?

It happens more often than you'd think. The US Federal Aviation Administration estimates a large passenger plane is struck about once every one to three years. Aircraft are designed so the current travels along the outside of the plane and exits again, away from passengers and critical systems. After landing, engineers inspect the plane, and most find nothing more than minor paint damage. The last airliner crash blamed on lightning was in 1963.

Can planes take off in a thunderstorm?

They can, but often won't. When lightning is close to the airport, ground crews have to stop loading bags and refuelling for their own safety. That's why you can be delayed even when the sky looks clear above you.

Can planes fly in strong winds?

Yes, within limits. What matters most is crosswind, meaning wind blowing across the runway rather than along it. Most airliners are limited to around 40 knots (46mph) of crosswind, gusts included. Above that, pilots will go around and try again, or divert to another airport.

Go-arounds can look dramatic on video, but they're a standard, well-practised manoeuvre. Even airport jet bridges have wind limits, which can slow boarding on very windy days.

Can planes fly in heavy rain?

Yes. Rain on its own rarely causes problems. It's the thunderstorms and strong winds that often come with it that lead to delays.

What are your rights if bad weather disrupts your flight?

If your flight departs from the UK, or lands in the UK on a UK or EU airline, it's covered by UK 261.

• Compensation: usually not. Weather that makes flying unsafe counts as an extraordinary circumstance, so airlines don't have to pay compensation.

• Care: always. If you're stuck at the airport for hours, the airline must provide meals and drinks, plus a hotel and transfers if you're stuck overnight. This applies however long the wait lasts, and whatever caused it. Keep your receipts if you end up paying yourself.

• Cancellations: you can choose a full refund or a new flight to your destination. More on flight cancellation compensation.

Not sure the weather was really to blame? Under UK rules, an airline that claims extraordinary circumstances has to explain why. If your delay had another cause, such as a technical problem or staff shortages, you could be owed up to £520 in flight delay compensation. The Civil Aviation Authority's compensation guide has the official detail.

Tips for flying in storm season

1. Check your flight before you leave home. Airlines often cancel ahead of a forecast storm.

2. Book early-morning flights. If something goes wrong, there are more flights left to rebook you on.

3. Pack essentials in your hand luggage, such as medication, a charger and a change of clothes, in case you're stuck overnight.

4. Keep every receipt for meals, transport or hotels you pay for yourself.

5. Turn on flight alerts, so you hear about changes before the queue at the desk does.

FAQ