Passengers of SriLankan Airlines who have faced a flight delay or cancellation are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. In this article, we’ll examine your rights and the actions you should follow to obtain the compensation you deserve from the airline. SriLankan Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation Before claiming the SriLankan Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of delay or flight cancellation. SriLankan Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay In line with UK and EU laws, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s important to note, that this delay compensation is based on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you land 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, 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 Be aware you may not always receive compensation for every flight delay. SriLankan Airlines is not obliged to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances outside their control occur. This includes bad weather, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these instances, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault. SriLankan Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation EU 261 states that airlines are required to inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you could qualify for compensation of between €250 and €600 per passenger, according to the flight distance. Nonetheless, 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 another flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated based on two criteria: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, in line with the table provided 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 SriLankan Airlines isn’t required to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Moreover, you usually 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 SriLankan Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004? EU 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. It also applies 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, SriLankan Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged 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 SriLankan Airlines If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with SriLankan Airlines, it’s essential to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. For this reason, it’s crucial 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 issue you encountered. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case. These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you’re owed. You may have plenty of time after your flight to submit 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 SriLankan Airlines goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation. Right to Care When flight disruptions occur, SriLankan 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: 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: SriLankan 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, SriLankan Airlines arranges hotel accommodation. This also covers transportation between 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 immediate assistance. Rebooking and Refunds When SriLankan Airlines cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel disruptions 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, SriLankan 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, SriLankan Airlines shall 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 entitled to a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking involves connecting flights, SriLankan 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.