Passengers of Air Serbia who have experienced a delayed or cancelled flight have a legal right to compensation. Under EU 261, airlines must compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. In this article, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you should follow to receive the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Air Serbia Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Air Serbia compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of flight cancellation or delay.
Air Serbia Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s essential to note that this flight delay compensation is based on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you land at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you could be eligible for if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation depends on several factors, such as the duration of the delay and the route length of your flight:
Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
€0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
€0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
€0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
€0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Remember you may not be compensated for every flight delay. Air Serbia is not obliged to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control arise. This covers bad weather, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Air Serbia Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines have to inform passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, based on the flight distance. Nonetheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
14 Days | None |
7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
Even when accepting a different flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is calculated based on two criteria: the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay, according to the table provided below:
Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
€125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
€200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
€200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
€300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Air Serbia is not obliged to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Moreover, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Air Serbia Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Air Serbia is not a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Air Serbia
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Air Serbia, it’s important to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. That’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to file it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Air Serbia goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Air Serbia is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Food and Drinks: Passengers are provided with food and drinks appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Air Serbia offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
- Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, Air Serbia arranges hotel accommodation. This includes transportation to and from the airport and the hotel.
- Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
To access these services, you can simply approach airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Air Serbia cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and supporting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
- Rebooking: if you choose to continue your journey, Air Serbia will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Air Serbia will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s important to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking includes connecting flights, Air Serbia will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.