Handling flight problems can be quite upsetting. However, the good news is that the European Union has laws to help travelers when things go wrong. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s wise to understand these protections. They can help you out if your flight gets messed up.
Being aware of your options can make managing travel problems much easier. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can make you more relaxed when things don’t go as planned.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
If your flight encounters issues in the European Union, you’ll get help. EU laws make sure airlines assist their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you:
- Refreshments and snacks
- Accommodation if you’re stranded 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
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the trouble
Remember to inquire with airline workers about these entitlements if your plans change. They are obligated to tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
SmartLynx Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
Delays with flights from SmartLynx Airlines can be really annoying. However there’s a silver lining: if you’re stranded for more than three hours due to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Regulations in the UK and EU are in your favor. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What is important is when you land, not when you leave. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on your flight distance. A brief trip won’t yield as much as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.
Curious about exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see what compensation you could receive:
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 |
SmartLynx Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
Europe has laws to protect you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you need to know:
If your flight is cancelled within two weeks of your scheduled departure, you may be entitled to compensation up to €600. But keep in mind – the airline can avoid paying if they offer you an alternative flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The carrier can bypass compensation if they provide an alternative flight that meets the following conditions:
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 |
If you choose to board another flight from the airline, you can still receive compensation. The key factor is your arrival time at your destination.
The amount you could receive depends on two things:
- The length of your flight
- The delay in your arrival
As a result, even if you arrive later than planned, you might still get some compensation.
Look at the table below to understand better:
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 |
The airline might not be required to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even with a slight delay, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from SmartLynx Airlines
It’s crucial to understand how to request the compensation you deserve under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s the process:
- 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 take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Keep in mind that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational issues or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances including inclement weather or air traffic control decisions, you have a right to compensation.
Which SmartLynx Airlines Flights are Covered by EU261?
The European Union’s laws for protecting air passengers are far-reaching. They cover every flight leaving an airport in an EU member state and to all flights arriving at an airport within an EU country if the flight is operated by an EU airline.
Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These regulations also apply to airlines from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This means if you’re flying with any airline within, to, or from Europe, you likely have these rights. It’s important to be aware of these regulations – they exist to support you if problems occur with your flight. They ensure you’re not abandoned when your travel plans go awry.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
SmartLynx Airlines is not always at fault when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, things happen that the airline has no control over, like severe weather conditions or unexpected problems.
For instance, if there’s a sudden storm, an emergency at the airport, or an air traffic control strike, SmartLynx Airlines cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline is unable to prevent.
When these events take place, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t viewed as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties arise.
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.