Passengers of Thai AirAsia who have experienced a flight delay or cancellation are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU 261, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the actions you need to take to receive the compensation you have a right to from the airline.
Thai AirAsia Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Thai AirAsia 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.
Thai AirAsia Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU laws, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you reach your destination airport.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you could be eligible for if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on various criteria, 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 |
Be aware you might not be compensated for every flight delay. Thai AirAsia is not obliged to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control occur. This covers bad weather, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these instances, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Thai AirAsia Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines must inform passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you may be entitled to 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 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 right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined based on two criteria: the distance of the flight 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 |
Thai AirAsia isn’t required to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to 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 adverse weather conditions or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Thai AirAsia Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Thai AirAsia is not a European airline. Consequently, 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 Thai AirAsia
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Thai AirAsia, it’s crucial to understand 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:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee 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 entitled to. 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
Thai AirAsia goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Thai AirAsia is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The 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 meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Thai AirAsia 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, Thai AirAsia provides hotel room 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 airline staff at the airport for instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Thai AirAsia cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on another flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel inconveniences and helping passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- 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, Thai AirAsia 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, Thai AirAsia shall arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. 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. Additionally, if your booking includes connecting flights, Thai AirAsia will assist 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 easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.