Passengers of Bangkok Airways who have faced a delayed or cancelled flight have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. In this article, we will look at your rights and the steps you need to take to get the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Bangkok Airways Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Bangkok Airways compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of delay or flight cancellation.
Bangkok Airways Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU laws, 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 calculated using the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you land at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation depends on various criteria, including 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 |
Be aware you may not be compensated for every flight delay. Bangkok Airways isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control occur. This includes severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Bangkok Airways Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines must 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 distance of the flight. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially 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 another flight, passengers retain their entitlement to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is calculated based on two factors: the flight distance and the length of the delay, in line with the table 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 |
Bangkok Airways doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Also, 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 Bangkok Airways Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Bangkok Airways is not a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for 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 Bangkok Airways
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Bangkok Airways, it’s essential to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. This is why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of getting the compensation you’re entitled to. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Bangkok Airways goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Bangkok Airways is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, becomes applicable 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: Bangkok Airways 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, Bangkok Airways arranges hotel accommodation. This also includes transportation between 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 instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Bangkok Airways cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel disruptions and assisting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive 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, Bangkok Airways 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, Bangkok Airways 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 crucial to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re entitled to a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking involves connecting flights, Bangkok Airways shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.