LOT Polish Airlines Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Yurii Semikopenko
07.08.2024

Dealing with flight problems can be very annoying. However, the bright side is that the European Union has laws to support travelers when things don’t go as planned. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s a good idea to understand these regulations. They can help you out if your flight goes off course.

Being aware of your options can make managing travel complications less stressful. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can make you more relaxed when things get disrupted.

Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004

When you’re flying in the European Union, rest assured that there’s help available in the case of a flight disruption. EU laws guarantee airlines take care of their passengers when things go wrong.

When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you:

  • Refreshments and snacks
  • Accommodation if you’re stuck overnight
  • Transportation to and from the hotel
  • Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes

If you’re experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also receive:

  • A refund
  • An alternative flight
  • Compensation to make up for the inconvenience

Don’t forget to ask airline representatives about these entitlements if your plans change. They must tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.

LOT Polish Airlines Flight Delay Compensation

Flight delays from LOT Polish Airlines can be very frustrating. However there’s a bright side: if you’re stranded for more than three hours because of the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.

Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could get up to €600 per person. What matters is when you arrive, not when you leave. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek compensation.

The amount you receive depends on your flight distance. A brief trip won’t be compensated as highly as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.

Want to know exactly how much you could get? Check out the table below to see the potential reimbursement amounts:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance
0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

LOT Polish Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation

The EU has laws to help you in case of flight cancellation. Here’s what you need to know:

If your flight gets cancelled less than two weeks before your planned travel date, you may be entitled to compensation up to €600. But keep in mind – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they can get you on another flight that doesn’t significantly disrupt your travel.

The airline may not need to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that meets the following conditions:

Advance NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight

If you agree to take another flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. The key factor is your arrival time at your destination.

The amount you could receive is determined by two things:

  1. The length of your flight
  2. The delay in your arrival

As a result, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you may still receive some compensation.

Look at the table below for more information:

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

The airline might not have to compensate you if they can provide a transfer to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you arrive shortly after the scheduled time, you might not get any compensation.

How to Claim Compensation from LOT Polish Airlines

It’s important to be aware of how to claim the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s how to do it:

  • Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including 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 understand the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

Remember that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed due to operational issues or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.

Which LOT Polish Airlines Flights are Covered by EU261?

The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are comprehensive in scope. They apply to all flights departing from an airport within an EU country and to all flights arriving at a European Union member state airport provided the airline is based in the EU.

ItineraryCovered by EU 261
Flights departing EU airports✅ Covered
Flights arriving at EU airports✅ Covered

These laws also cover airlines from Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. This means when you travel with any airline within, to, or from Europe, you likely have these rights. It’s good to know about these laws – they’re there to assist you if issues arise with your flight. They guarantee you’re not left on your own when your travel plans fall through.

When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation

LOT Polish Airlines isn’t always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Sometimes, situations arise that the airline is powerless against, like extreme weather or unexpected problems.

For example, if there’s a sudden storm, an emergency at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers, LOT Polish Airlines cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about.

When these events take place, you are unlikely to get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties arise.

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