Passengers of SunExpress who have faced a delayed or cancelled flight have a legal right to compensation. Under EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you need to take to receive the compensation you have a right to from the airline.
SunExpress Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the SunExpress compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of flight cancellation or delay.
SunExpress Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s crucial 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 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 is determined by several factors, 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 may not always receive compensation for every flight delay. SunExpress isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control arise. This covers severe weather conditions, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
SunExpress Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to 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, depending on the flight distance. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially 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 entitlement to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated based on two criteria: the flight distance 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 |
SunExpress is not obliged 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 workers go on strike.
Are SunExpress 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 European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, SunExpress isn’t a European airline. Therefore, 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 SunExpress
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with SunExpress, it’s important to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. That’s why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase 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 file it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
SunExpress goes the additional mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, SunExpress is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, becomes applicable 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: SunExpress 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, SunExpress arranges hotel room accommodation. This includes 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 airport staff at the airport for instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When SunExpress cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and supporting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances successfully.
- 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, SunExpress 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, SunExpress shall arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, including 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. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, SunExpress shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not just 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.