Passengers of Singapore Airlines who have experienced a flight delay or cancellation have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the actions you should follow to get the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Singapore Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Singapore 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.
Singapore Airlines 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 flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you arrive at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on several factors, including 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 |
Remember you may not be compensated for every flight delay. Singapore Airlines isn’t required to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances outside their control occur. This includes severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or air traffic controller strikes. In these instances, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Singapore Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to inform passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you could qualify for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, according to the distance of the flight. However, 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 an alternative flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated based on two factors: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, in line with 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 |
Singapore Airlines doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer 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 staff goes on strike.
Are Singapore Airlines 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 is based in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Singapore Airlines is not 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.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Singapore Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Singapore Airlines, it’s important to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. That’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete 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 manage the process. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best 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 receiving the compensation you’re owed. There may be 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
Singapore Airlines goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Singapore Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: 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: Singapore 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, Singapore Airlines provides hotel accommodation. This 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 airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Singapore Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel disruptions and helping passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
- 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 journey, Singapore Airlines shall 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, Singapore 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 essential 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, Singapore Airlines will assist 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 smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.