Passengers of Korean Air who have faced a delayed or cancelled flight are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU Regulation 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 should follow to obtain 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 case of flight cancellation or delay. Korean Air Compensation for Flight Delay According to UK and EU regulations, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s essential to note, that this delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you arrive 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 varies based on various criteria, such as the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight: Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km Keep in mind you may not receive compensation for every flight delay. Korean Air is not obliged to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control occur. This includes severe weather conditions, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In these instances, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault. Korean Air Compensation for Flight Cancellation European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines must notify 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 compensation of €250-600 per passenger, according to the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met: Advance NoticeRe-routing Requirements14 DaysNone7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flightLess than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight When accepting an alternative flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined according to two factors: the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay, according to the table below: Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km Korean Air doesn’t have to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you usually 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 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 European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. Nevertheless, Korean Air isn’t 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. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing from EU airports✔️ YesFlights 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 crucial to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. For this reason, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do: Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to get you 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 receiving the compensation you’re entitled to. 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 Korean Air goes the extra 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, kicks in 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: 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 accommodation. This also covers 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 another flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel disruptions and assisting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances successfully. 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 trip, Korean Air will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Korean Air 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 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 includes connecting flights, Korean Air shall help 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 easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.