IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Complaint About a Delayed Flight
Model Answer (Band 8–8.5)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about the severe delay to Flight AX214 from Manchester to Rome on 18 September. The flight was scheduled to depart at 2:30 p.m., but we did not leave until almost 8:00 p.m.
During the delay, passengers received very little information, and no clear explanation was given for the repeated changes to the departure time. In addition, no meal vouchers were provided, despite the fact that we remained in the departure lounge for more than five hours. As a result, I missed a pre-booked airport transfer and had to pay for a late-night taxi to my hotel.
I fully understand that occasional delays are unavoidable, but I was disappointed by the lack of communication and practical assistance. I therefore believe some compensation would be appropriate, particularly as I incurred additional transport costs because of the disruption.
I would appreciate it if you could review my complaint, reimburse the taxi expense, and confirm whether I am entitled to any further compensation under your passenger policy.
Yours faithfully,
Charlotte Reed
Analytical Review – Strengths, Weaknesses & Improvements
- Highly appropriate formal tone for a complaint addressed to an airline.
- Clear factual details about the flight, scheduled departure time, and length of delay.
- Specific explanation of the inconvenience and the financial consequence.
- Strong collocations such as “severe delay,” “repeated changes,” “practical assistance,” “incurred additional transport costs”.
- The request for reimbursement and compensation is clear, realistic, and polite.
- The exact taxi fare is not stated, although this is not essential for IELTS Task Achievement.
- If the exam prompt includes bullet points, address each one explicitly and evenly.
- Keep the complaint objective and avoid overly emotional language.
- Use one or two precise consequences of the delay rather than listing too many minor inconveniences.
- severe delay → substantial delay
- little information → insufficient communication
- practical assistance → adequate passenger support
- additional transport costs → unexpected travel expenses
- review my complaint → investigate the matter
- Use precise time references and consequences to strengthen Task Achievement.
- Balance complaint with reasonableness, as in “I fully understand that occasional delays are unavoidable”.
- Use cohesive devices naturally: “In addition,” “As a result,” “but,” “therefore”.
- End with a specific and practical request rather than a vague demand for action.