Garuda Indonesia Compensation and Reimbursement for Cancelled and Delayed Flights

Whenever flights are cancelled or delayed, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. Under EU 261, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

The EU 261 is the law that deals with air passengers’ rights. In particular, this legislation covers different situations, including flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens as a result of the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences has a right to obtain compensation. In addition, travelers may be eligible for certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.

Right to Compensation

European Union Regulation 261 includes regulations regarding the compensation process, including aid to travelers experiencing flight problems. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can expect to receive is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, according to your specific case.

Compensation for Garuda Indonesia Flight Cancellation

First and foremost, travelers need to know that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. If the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before your scheduled departure and does not offer any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261/2004, must pay you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.

At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger may also be eligible for compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the length of the delay:

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

Compensation for Garuda Indonesia Flight Delay

When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is required to provide compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.

Furthermore, this is the case when the airline also must provide a passenger with beverages, some food, and accommodation. See key information about compensation in the table below:

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

Right to Care

Right to Care refers to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which establishes common rules on assistance and compensation to passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays.

The “Right to Care” under EU261 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations. These include:

• Snacks and drinks appropriate for the waiting time
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
• Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation
• Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes

Upgrading and Downgrading

When a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is good to be aware of upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.

In situations, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for example, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not be charged additional fees for this upgrade.

Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right to receive reimbursement. Here, it’s important to note that the amount of compensation is determined by the distance of a flight:

• 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less;
• 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance;
• 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance.

Consider that these rights cover all flights within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union operated by airlines based in the EU.

When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?

Unfortunately, there are situations, when passengers will not receive compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are outside of the airline’s control. Some of the examples are as follows:

• Bad weather conditions and natural disasters;
• Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks);
• A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance);
• Unruly or very ill passengers;
• Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew).

In addition, if the airline might have been able to do something to prevent issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies to 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.

Nevertheless, Garuda Indonesia is not a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This is true even for their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.

Itinerary	Covered by EU 261
Flights departing from the EU airports	✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at the EU airports	❌ No

How to Claim Garuda Indonesia Compensation

Flight delay or cancellation can be a frustrating experience that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight delay or cancellation should know exactly how to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:

1. Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

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