How To Claim Flight Cancellation Compensation?
Flight cancellations are the worst nightmare for any traveler. Imagine booking an exciting trip and eagerly waiting for it, only to find out that your flight has been canceled. This can cause a lot of inconvenience and disruption to your travel plans, not to mention the added expenses that you may have to bear. However, it is important to know that you are entitled to certain rights and compensation if your flight has been canceled due to reasons that are within the control of the airline. In this article, we will guide you on how to claim flight cancellation compensation and what your rights are in case of flight cancellations.
What Are Your Rights In Case Of Flight Cancellation?
When a flight is canceled, the airline is responsible for providing you with certain facilities and compensation depending on your situation. Here’s a list of what you are entitled to in case of a flight cancellation:
Alternate Flight Or Refund
The first thing that the airline is expected to offer you is an alternative flight that takes you to your destination at the earliest possible time. If this is not possible, then you are entitled to a refund of the entire cost of your ticket. You have the right to choose between the two options.
Compensation For Delayed Arrival
If you arrive at your final destination more than three hours later than the scheduled arrival time, then you are entitled to a compensation of up to €600, depending on the distance of your flight. This compensation is in addition to the alternate flight or refund that the airline needs to provide you with.
Assistance And Care
The airline is expected to provide you with certain assistance and care facilities in case of a flight cancellation. This includes food, drinks, and accommodation, if you need to stay overnight due to the cancellation. The airline needs to provide you with these facilities free of charge, depending on the duration of the delay.
Circumstances Beyond The Control Of The Airline
If the flight has been canceled due to reasons beyond the control of the airline, such as bad weather, then the airline is not obliged to provide you with any compensation. However, they are still responsible for providing you with an alternate flight or a refund and the necessary assistance and care facilities.
How To Claim Flight Cancellation Compensation?
If your flight has been canceled, and you are entitled to compensation as per your rights, then you can make a claim for compensation. Here’s how you can do it:
Contact The Airline
The first step is to contact the airline and let them know that your flight has been canceled. Ask them about the reason for the cancellation and what alternate options are available to you. You can also ask them if you are entitled to compensation as per your rights.
Document Everything
Document everything related to the cancellation, such as the reason for cancellation, the duration of the delay, and the expenses that you may have incurred due to the cancellation. Keep all your documents, such as your flight ticket, boarding pass, and receipts of any expenses that you may have incurred.
Submit Your Claim For Compensation
To submit your claim for compensation, you can either do it directly with the airline or through a third party who specializes in flight compensation claims. You will need to provide all the necessary documents and details related to the cancellation, and your claim will be reviewed by the airline.
FAQs
Q. How much compensation can I claim for flight cancellation?
A. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of your flight. If the distance is less than 1500 km, then you are entitled to €250, for distances between 1500 km and 3500 km, the compensation is €400, and for distances more than 3500 km, the compensation is €600.
Q. What are the reasons for flight cancellation that will not entitle me to compensation?
A. Flight cancellations due to reasons beyond the control of the airline, such as bad weather, natural disasters, and security threats, will not entitle you to compensation.
Q. How long does the airline have to pay me the compensation?
A. The airline needs to pay you the compensation within seven days of notifying you of your entitlement to it.
Q. Can I claim compensation if my flight was delayed but not canceled?
A. Yes, you can claim compensation if your flight was delayed by more than three hours than the scheduled arrival time, depending on the distance of your flight and the reason for the delay.
Q. Can I still claim compensation if I accepted an offer for an alternative flight?
A. Yes, you can still claim compensation if you were offered an alternative flight but arrived at your final destination more than three hours later than the scheduled arrival time.
Conclusion
Flight cancellations can be a hassle, but it is important to know your rights and what compensation you are entitled to. If your flight has been canceled, then contact the airline and document everything related to the cancellation. You can submit your claim for compensation directly with the airline or through a third party. Remember to keep all your documents and receipts safe. We hope this article has helped you understand how to claim flight cancellation compensation.