Passengers of Thai Smile 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 should follow to obtain the compensation you have a right to from the airline.
Thai Smile Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Thai Smile compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of flight cancellation or delay.
Thai Smile Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU laws, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s essential to note that this flight delay compensation is based 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 destination airport.
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, 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 |
Remember you might not be compensated for every flight delay. Thai Smile isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control arise. This includes bad weather, problems at the airport, 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.
Thai Smile Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines have to inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure. 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 flight distance. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid 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 right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined based on two factors: the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay, in line with 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 Smile is not obliged to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Also, 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 Thai Smile Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 covers 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 European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Thai Smile is not a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required 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 Smile
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Thai Smile, it’s essential to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. This is 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 like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Thai Smile goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Thai Smile 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: Thai Smile 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 Smile 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 airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Thai Smile cancels a flight, passengers have the option to receive a full refund or rebook on a different 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 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 Smile shall provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Thai Smile will 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 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 includes connecting flights, Thai Smile 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 ensure this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.