Passengers of Thai Lion Air who have faced a cancelled or delayed flight are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. In this article, we will look at your rights and the actions you need to take to obtain the compensation you have a right to from the airline.
Thai Lion Air Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Thai Lion Air 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 Lion Air Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU regulations, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you reach your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you could be eligible for if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, including the duration of the delay and the distance 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 be compensated for every flight delay. Thai Lion Air isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control happen. This covers bad weather, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these cases, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Thai Lion Air Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you could qualify for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, based on the distance of the flight. Nonetheless, 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 |
Even when accepting an alternative flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is calculated according to two factors: the flight distance and the duration 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 |
Thai Lion Air isn’t required to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives around 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 Thai Lion Air Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. This regulation also extends 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.
However, Thai Lion Air isn’t 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 Thai Lion Air
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Thai Lion Air, it’s essential to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. 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 like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee 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 entitled to. You may have 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 Lion Air goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Thai Lion Air 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:
- Food and Drinks: 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 Lion Air 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 Lion Air provides hotel room accommodation. This 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 airport staff at the airport for instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Thai Lion Air cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This flexibility is essential for minimizing travel disruptions and helping passengers to manage 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 journey, Thai Lion Air 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, Thai Lion Air will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Furthermore, 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 crucial 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 Lion Air shall help 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.