Passengers of Fiji Airways who have faced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. Under EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. In this article, we will look at your rights and the steps you need to take to get the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Fiji Airways Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Fiji 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.
Fiji Airways Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s crucial 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 hinges on the actual time you land at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, 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 receive compensation for every flight delay. Fiji Airways is not obliged to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances outside their control arise. This includes bad weather, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these cases, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Fiji Airways Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines have to inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, according to the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid 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 determined according to two criteria: the distance of the flight and the duration 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 |
Fiji Airways doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you generally won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are Fiji Airways Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Fiji Airways isn’t a European airline. Consequently, 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 Fiji Airways
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Fiji Airways, it’s crucial to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. This is why it’s essential 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 problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re owed. You may have 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
Fiji Airways goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Fiji 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:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Fiji 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, Fiji Airways arranges hotel room 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 instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Fiji Airways cancels a flight, passengers have the option to receive a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel interruptions and assisting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- 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 trip, Fiji Airways shall 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, Fiji Airways will arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s essential 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. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, Fiji 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.