Passengers of Lao Airlines who have experienced a cancelled or delayed flight are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. In this article, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you should follow to receive the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Lao Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Lao Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of delay or flight cancellation.
Lao Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU laws, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s important to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you land at your destination airport.
Here’s an overview of how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based 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 |
Keep in mind you might not be compensated for every flight delay. Lao Airlines isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control occur. This covers severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these instances, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Lao Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines must notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you could qualify for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, according to 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 |
When accepting another 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 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 |
Lao Airlines 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 generally 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 staff goes on strike.
Are Lao Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. 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.
Nevertheless, Lao Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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 Lao Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Lao Airlines, 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 this 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 well and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to. You may have plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Lao Airlines goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Lao Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU 261, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Food and Drinks: 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: Lao Airlines 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, Lao Airlines 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 Lao Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel interruptions 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 trip, Lao Airlines 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, Lao Airlines 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 important 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, Lao Airlines shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20.06.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
20.06.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202510:40 | Lao Airlines 924 | Seoul (ICN) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
16.06.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
15.06.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
14.06.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
14.06.202511:20 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
13.06.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
13.06.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
12.06.202511:20 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
11.06.202515:35 | Lao Airlines 602 | Luang Namtha (LXG) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
11.06.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
09.06.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
09.06.202509:00 | Lao Airlines 401 | Vientiane (VTE) Xieng Khouang (XKH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
08.06.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
08.06.202509:00 | Lao Airlines 401 | Vientiane (VTE) Xieng Khouang (XKH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
07.06.202511:20 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
06.06.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
06.06.202515:35 | Lao Airlines 602 | Luang Namtha (LXG) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
06.06.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
04.06.202510:15 | Lao Airlines 402 | Xieng Khouang (XKH) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
04.06.202509:00 | Lao Airlines 401 | Vientiane (VTE) Xieng Khouang (XKH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
03.06.202515:45 | Lao Airlines 304 | Pakse (PKZ) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
02.06.202515:35 | Lao Airlines 602 | Luang Namtha (LXG) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
02.06.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
02.06.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
31.05.202511:20 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202510:40 | Lao Airlines 924 | Seoul (ICN) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202511:20 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202511:20 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202517:20 | Lao Airlines 856 | Changsha (CSX) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
16.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
15.05.202511:20 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
14.05.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
14.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
12.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
12.05.202510:50 | Lao Airlines 816 | Kunming (KMG) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
11.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
10.05.202511:20 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
09.05.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
09.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
08.05.202515:45 | Lao Airlines 304 | Pakse (PKZ) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
08.05.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
07.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
06.05.202511:20 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
04.05.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
03.05.202515:45 | Lao Airlines 304 | Pakse (PKZ) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
03.05.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
01.05.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.04.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.04.202518:45 | Lao Airlines 4517 | Vientiane (VTE) Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.04.202516:20 | Lao Airlines 312 | Hanoi (HAN) Vientiane (VTE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.04.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.04.202519:10 | Lao Airlines 314 | Hanoi (HAN) Luang Prabang (LPQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.04.202514:00 | Lao Airlines 303 | Vientiane (VTE) Pakse (PKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.04.202513:55 | Lao Airlines 601 | Vientiane (VTE) Luang Namtha (LXG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
