Passengers of Surinam Airways who have experienced a cancelled or delayed flight are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU 261, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the actions you should follow to get the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Surinam Airways Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Surinam Airways 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.
Surinam Airways Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s important to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you reach your final destination.
Here’s an overview of how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on several factors, such as 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 receive compensation for every flight delay. Surinam Airways isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control arise. This includes bad weather, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will generally not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Surinam Airways Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines must inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, 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 a different flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined based on two criteria: the flight distance and the duration of the delay, according to the table 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 |
Surinam Airways is not obliged to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you generally 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 Surinam Airways Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. 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, Surinam Airways is not a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged 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 Surinam Airways
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Surinam Airways, 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 this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will strive 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 improve your chances of receiving the compensation you’re owed. You might 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
Surinam Airways goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Surinam Airways 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 meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Surinam Airways 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, Surinam Airways arranges hotel accommodation. This also 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 Surinam Airways cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on another flight. This flexibility is essential for minimizing travel inconveniences and assisting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.
- 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 journey, Surinam Airways will 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, Surinam Airways shall arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Furthermore, 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 crucial 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, Surinam Airways shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.