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How to Claim airBaltic Compensation?

How to claim airBaltic compensation?

How to claim flight delay compensation?

Claiming compensation from airBaltic can differ based on the specifics of the situation. You have multiple options in some cases: you may either manage the claim yourself or entrust the task to someone with more expertise (i.e., flight compensation company). However, in certain scenarios, you might not have any other option than dealing with the claim on your own. Distinguishing between compensation and refund is essential as they are not the same. Depending on the context, you might be entitled to compensation, a refund, or both.

How to Claim airBaltic Compensation?

How to claim airBaltic compensation for a disrupted flight?

The process of claiming compensation from airBaltic depends on the type of compensation you are after. Let’s explore the commonly encountered scenarios:

1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: airBaltic

It’s important to note that aircraft technical issues and crew strikes fall under the airline’s responsibility, rather than unforeseen events.

1.1 Long Flight Delay

Eligibility for flight delay compensation from airBaltic includes:

  • Delay should be 3 or more hours long (upon arrival);
  • Delay should be the airline’s fault;
  • Flight should be within/to/from Europe.

To initiate a compensation claim with airBaltic, engage their customer service center via their website and fill out a claim form. Make sure to highlight Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and maintain consistent communication.

You can also file a claim with our partners.

Read more:

By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

1.2 Flight Cancellation

To receive compensation from airBaltic, your flight should be:

  • Cancelled last minute (up to 14 days prior to the flight);
  • Cancelled due to airBaltic’s fault (not due to adverse weather or other unforeseen events);
  • To/within/from Europe.

You can reach submit a claim on airBaltic’s website.

Always reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and remind airBaltic of your entitlements to prevent claim denial by the airline.

Alternatively, file a claim with our partners.

Read more:

1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking

How to claim airBaltic compensation if you have been denied boarding?

There are specific requirements to be eligible for denied boarding compensation:

  • You must be involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking;
  • You must be denied boarding due to the airline’s fault (i.e., overbooking), not problems with your passport, visa, etc.;
  • Flight must be from/within/to Europe.

Bear in mind, passengers who lack proper travel documents, such as valid visas, are not entitled to compensation. Passengers who willingly accept alternate arrangements, like a later flight (it’s called “voluntary denied boarding”) may not be eligible for compensation either.

How to claim denied boarding compensation?

Claim compensation using the online form on airBaltic’s website.

Refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

Or file a claim with flight compensation experts.

Read more: airBaltic Denied Boarding Compensation

1.4 Missed Connection Flight

If your previous flight is delayed or cancelled, forcing you to miss a subsequent flight and reach your destination 3 or more hours later than scheduled, you may be eligible for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

But, this is only applicable if:

  • The delay is due to airBaltic’s fault, and not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., bad weather or pandemics);
  • The flight is departing from or arriving in Europe.

For claiming compensation from airBaltic, fill in a claim form on their website, ensuring to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

Alternatively, file a claim with our partners.

Read more: airBaltic Missed Connection Compensation

1.5 Downgrading

How to claim airBaltic compensation for a downgraded flight?

If an involuntary downgrade from your flight occurs, you are eligible for compensation from the airline. The compensation amount is dependent on the flight distance and ranges from 30% to 75% of the ticket cost. The airline is obligated to provide this compensation immediately.

If they fail to do this, you should contact airBaltic and file a claim. Be aware that you are not required to accept any vouchers or coupons offered by the airline. If you face any difficulties, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

Read more: AirBaltic Flight Downgrade Compensation

Luggage carousel at the airport

2. Baggage Compensation

How to claim airBaltic compensation for baggage issues?

With regards to compensation for baggage issues, there are two approaches.

Either get in touch with your insurance provider to process the claim, or submit a claim directly via the airBaltic website. It’s important to note that flight compensation companies generally don’t deal with baggage claims.

2.1 Damaged Baggage

When your suitcase or bag gets damaged, here’s the action plan.

Sequentially:

  1. Register a complaint about the damaged bag at the airport within a week of receiving your bag;
  2. Submit a claim for damaged baggage online using the PIR you received at the airport (you will be given all the necessary information at the airport);
  3. Fill in all the required information;
  4. Get damaged baggage compensation of up to €1300.

Read more: airBaltic Damaged Baggage Compensation

2.2 Delayed Baggage

In case your bag is delayed, adhere to these steps:

  1. Report the delay of your baggage at the airport;
  2. Obtain the Property Irregularity Report or PIR with a personal reference number;
  3. Monitor the status of your bag online using your reference number;
  4. Receive reimbursement for your expenses (essential items you were forced to purchase due to this delay).

Read more: airBaltic Delayed Baggage Compensation

2.3 Lost Baggage

Sometimes baggage may not arrive at all.

In this scenario, here’s what you ought to do:

  1. Register a complaint about the loss of your bag at the airport;
  2. Obtain the Property Irregularity Report with a personal reference number;
  3. Check the status of your bag online, using your reference number;
  4. If your bag is not located after 21 days, provide a list of items that were in your bag, to receive compensation of up to €1300;
  5. In addition to compensation, you can also file a claim for any additional expenditures.

Read more: airBaltic Lost Baggage Compensation

Euro banknotes

3. AirBaltic Refund For Cancellation

If airBaltic cancels your flight, you can opt to get a refund of the amount you paid for the flight. However, depending on the specifics, you may also be entitled to compensation. To claim your refund or compensation, it’s crucial to reach out to airBaltic without delay. Follow up in a few weeks if needed.

You can learn more about this process in the linked article.

Read more: airBaltic Refund For Cancellation

3.1 What If You Cancel an airBaltic Flight?

In the event that you cancel your airBaltic flight, the refund process is quite simple.

To begin with, you need to cancel your reservation; this can be done online through the airBaltic website or by getting in touch with their customer service. After cancellation, a request for refund must be made. The refundable amount will be largely influenced by the fare conditions of your ticket.

Do keep in mind, not all tickets qualify for a refund. If you bought a non-refundable ticket, you might not be entitled to a refund, or there might be substantial cancellation fees. It’s essential to comprehend the fare rules before purchasing a ticket.

It’s also worth noting that while you may be eligible for a refund, you will not receive compensation for cancelling your own flight. Compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 is only applicable when the flight is cancelled by the airline, not when the passenger chooses to cancel.

So to sum it up, while you may qualify for a refund on your ticket depending on the fare conditions, you cannot claim compensation for flights cancelled by you.

Do Not Agree to airBaltic Vouchers

When you are entitled to European flight compensation or a refund from airBaltic, it’s important to remember that you are not obliged to accept airBaltic vouchers as a form of compensation. You have the right to ask for a cash refund instead.

When interacting with airBaltic customer service, you should always refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and clearly state that you are not interested in accepting vouchers as compensation. If the customer service agent does not offer a refund in money, ask for further assistance from their supervisor or manager.

Indeed – you have the right to receive your compensation or refund from airBaltic without having to accept vouchers as payment.

Claiming airBaltic Flight Compensation On Your Own

When claiming airBaltic flight compensation on your own, it is crucial to remain persistent and well-informed about your rights. Airlines may try to evade paying compensation by exaggerating problems or wrongly categorizing technical issues as extraordinary circumstances. It is important to note that technical issues do not fall under the category of extraordinary circumstances. Furthermore, some airlines may attempt to offer vouchers instead of proper compensation.

Such approaches are not unique to airBaltic; they are adopted by airlines globally.

In a nutshell, to pursue airBaltic flight reimbursement on your own, you should:

  1. Recognize your right to reimbursement. Based on EC Regulation No. 261/2004, ascertain if your situation qualifies you for flight reimbursement or a refund.
  2. Retain all pertinent documents. This includes boarding passes, tickets, receipts, and any other proof of your flight and expenditures.
  3. Reach out to airBaltic. Submit your claim directly to airBaltic’s customer service. This can be done through email, phone call, or via their website.
  4. Remain resolute. If your first interaction does not yield the desired outcome, do not relent. Keep pursuing the airline and emphasize on your right to reimbursement.
  5. Reject vouchers. Remember, you are entitled to monetary compensation. Do not accept vouchers if they are proposed.
  6. Elevate matters if required. If the airline remains adamant about not compensating you, consider escalating the issue to a National Enforcement Body or initiating legal proceedings.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the procedure of independently claiming flight reimbursement. However, keep in mind that this can be a complicated process, and expert assistance is available if necessary.

Court Action – airBaltic

If airBaltic rejects your compensation claim, you might have to consider undertaking legal proceedings against the airline. However, before proceeding to court, you can escalate your claim to the NEB, which might assist you in avoiding court altogether. A favorable verdict by the NEB can bolster your stance and enhance your likelihood of securing a positive outcome, even if the airline continues to deny payment.

If, despite your best efforts, the airline still refuses to compensate, filing a lawsuit against airBaltic could be your subsequent course of action. This action should be your final alternative, only after all other channels have been exhausted. Bear in mind, legal proceedings can be strenuous, both financially and in terms of time.

Hence, it’s imperative to be prepared and comprehend exactly what you’re stepping into. However, if your claim is valid under EC Regulation No. 261/2004, and you have the necessary proof to substantiate it, a court may indeed be your next stop.

What is your experience with airBaltic compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from airBaltic? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.

Featured photo by Kaboompics .com from Pexels