Passengers of Korean Air who have experienced a flight cancellation or delay are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. In this article, we’ll examine your rights and the actions you should follow to receive the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Korean Air Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Korean Air compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of flight cancellation or delay.
Korean Air Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with 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 depends on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you land at your final destination.
Here’s an overview of how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation depends on several factors, such as the duration of the delay and the distance 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 might not be compensated for every flight delay. Korean Air isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control happen. This includes severe weather conditions, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In such situations, you will generally not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Korean Air Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines have to inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending 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 an alternative flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined based on two factors: the flight distance 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 |
Korean Air doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Moreover, 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 workers go on strike.
Are Korean Air Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. This regulation also extends 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.
However, Korean Air is not a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required 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 Korean Air
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Korean Air, it’s essential to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. That’s 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 including 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 understand the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to secure your compensation. You are only charged 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. 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
Korean Air goes the additional mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Korean Air is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU 261, 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: Korean Air 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, Korean Air arranges hotel room accommodation. This also 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 airline staff at the airport for instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Korean Air cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and helping 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, Korean Air 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, Korean Air shall arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, 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 crucial 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 involves connecting flights, Korean Air will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.
Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.