How to claim Smartwings compensation?
How to claim flight delay compensation?
Claiming compensation from Smartwings varies depending on your specific case. In some situations, you have two options – either to claim compensation yourself or seek assistance from a flight compensation firm. However, in other cases, managing the claim yourself might be the only option. It’s crucial to understand that compensation and refund are not the same. Depending on the specifics, you may be eligible for compensation, a refund, or both.
How to Claim Smartwings Compensation?
How to claim Smartwings compensation?
The process to claim compensation from Smartwings depends on the kind of compensation you’re after. Here are a few common scenarios:
1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: Smartwings
Keep in mind that mechanical issues with the aircraft and airline staff strikes fall under the airline’s responsibility. Such events are not being considered extraordinary circumstances.
1.1 Long Flight Delay
Criteria to claim flight delay compensation from Smartwings:
- Delay must be 3 or more hours long (at the time of arrival);
- The delay must be due to the fault of the airline;
- Flight must be within/to/from Europe.
If you need to submit a compensation claim to Smartwings, you can reach their customer support centre through their website and fill out a claim form. Make sure to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and be assertive in your communication.
You can also submit a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.
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 get compensation from Smartwings, your flight must be:
- Cancelled last-minute (up to 14 days before the flight);
- Cancelled due to the fault of Smartwings (not due to bad weather or other extraordinary circumstances);
- To/within/from Europe.
Reach out to Smartwings customer support centre via their website to initiate a claim.
It’s crucial to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and make them aware of your rights to avoid claim denial from the airline.
You can also submit a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.
Read more:
- Smartwings Flight Cancellation Compensation
- Smartwings Refund For Cancellation
- Your Smartwings Refund Is Taking Forever. Here’s What You Can Do
1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking
Here are the requirements for obtaining denied boarding compensation:
- The denial of your boarding must be involuntary and due to overbooking;
- The responsibility for the denied boarding lies with the airline (i.e., overbooking), not issues with your passport, visa, etc.;
- The flight must originate from/within/to Europe.
Remember that passengers lacking the proper travel documents, such as valid visas, won’t qualify for compensation. Those who willingly agree to another flight (voluntary denied boarding), may not qualify for compensation.
How to claim Smartwings compensation for denied boarding?
Reach out to Smartwing’s customer support centre through their website.
Please refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
You can also submit a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.
Read more: Smartwings Denied Boarding Compensation
1.4 Missed Connection Flight
Should your first flight encounter a delay or cancellation, leading to a missed connecting flight and subsequent delay in reaching your ultimate destination, it’s crucial to understand that you will not be eligible for compensation according to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. Yes, you heard it right – compensation is not applicable.
The rationale behind this is that Smartwings does not sell connecting flights. Smartwings is dedicated solely to offering point-to-point flights.
Read more: Smartwings Missed Connection Compensation
1.5 Downgrading
If your flight class is downgraded without your consent, you are entitled to compensation from the airline. The compensation amount is determined based on the flight distance and varies from 30% to 75% of your ticket’s cost. The airline is required to provide this compensation promptly.
If the airline fails to meet this obligation, it is recommended to contact the airline and file a claim. It’s important to note that you are not obligated to accept any vouchers or coupons that the airline may offer. If you encounter any difficulties, you can refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 for assistance.
However, this policy does not currently apply to Smartwings. Smartwings does not have Business or First class, and as a result, the mentioned compensation rules for class downgrades do not apply to their services at this time.
Read more: Smartwings Flight Downgrade Compensation
2. Baggage Compensation
How to claim Smartwings compensation for baggage-related issues?
When it comes to dealing with issues relating to baggage, there are a couple of alternatives for you. You can either take up the matter with your insurance company or file a claim directly through Smartwings’ website. It’s important to know that companies that deal with flight compensations ordinarily do not handle baggage claims.
2.1 Damaged Baggage
If your checked bag has been damaged, this is the procedure to follow.
Sequentially:
- Submit a report about the damage at the airport within 7 days of bag reception;
- Supply necessary details;
- Make a claim online;
- Be entitled to a compensation of up to €1300.
Read more: Smartwings Damaged Baggage Compensation
2.2 Delayed Baggage
If your checked bag has been delayed, here’s a guide to follow:
- Submit a report about your missing bag at the airport;
- Obtain the Property Irregularity Report or PIR that comes with a personal reference number;
- Monitor the status of your bag online using your reference number;
- Get a reimbursement for your expenses (necessary items you had to purchase because of this delay).
Read more: Smartwings Delayed Baggage Compensation
2.3 Lost Baggage
In some instances, your checked baggage may not show up at all.
If this is the case, here’s what you are supposed to do:
- Report the loss of your bag at the airport;
- Obtain the Property Irregularity Report with a personal reference number;
- Keep track of your bag’s status online, using your reference number;
- If your bag is not found after 21 days, provide a list of items you had in your bag, to receive compensation of up to €1300;
- In addition to compensation, you can file a claim for any extra expenses.
Read more: Smartwings Lost Baggage Compensation
3. Smartwings Refund For Cancellation
If your Smartwings flight gets cancelled, you can get a refund of the amount you paid for the flight.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also be eligible for compensation. To claim your refund or compensation, contact Smartwings as soon as possible. Follow up if needed after a couple of weeks.
You can read more about this process in the linked article.
Read more: Smartwings Refund For Cancellation
3.1 What If You Cancel Your Smartwings Flight?
To cancel your Smartwings flight and initiate the refund process, you have a couple of options.
You can either cancel your reservation online through the Smartwings website or get in touch with their customer support. Once you’ve canceled, you’ll need to submit a refund request. The amount you receive will depend on the fare conditions of your ticket.
Do note, that not all tickets are refundable. If you purchased a non-refundable ticket, you might not receive a refund, or there might be heavy cancellation charges. It’s important to read and understand the fare rules before purchasing a ticket.
It’s also important to know 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 only applies when the flight is cancelled by the airline, not when the passenger chooses to cancel.
So, in conclusion, while you may get a refund for your ticket depending on the fare conditions, you cannot get compensation for self-cancelled flights.
Do Not Agree to Smartwings Vouchers
When you are entitled to European flight compensation or a refund from Smartwings, it is important to know that you do not have to accept Smartwings vouchers as a form of compensation. You have the right to request a monetary refund instead.
When contacting Smartwings customer service, remember to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and clearly state your preference for cash refunds rather than vouchers. If the agent doesn’t provide a cash refund, escalate the matter to their supervisor or manager for further assistance.
Yes – you have the right to receive your compensation or refund from Smartwings without having to accept vouchers as payment.
Pursuing Smartwings Flight Compensation Independently
How to claim Smartwings compensation independently?
When claiming Smartwings flight compensation on your own, it’s crucial to be persistent and familiarize yourself with your rights. Airlines may try to avoid paying compensation by exaggerating issues or mislabeling technical problems as extraordinary circumstances (note: technical issues are not considered extraordinary circumstances). They might even suggest vouchers instead of compensation.
Bear in mind, such strategies are not unique to Smartwings, and are common across airlines globally.
Let’s summarize if you are seeking to obtain Smartwings flight compensation independently:
- Recognize your eligibility for compensation. Evaluate whether, as per EC Regulation No. 261/2004, your situation qualifies you for flight compensation or a refund.
- Retain all pertinent documents. This encompasses boarding passes, tickets, invoices, and any other proof of your flight and expenditures.
- Reach out to Smartwings. Submit your claim directly to Smartwings’ customer service. You can do this via email, phone call, or through their website.
- Remain perseverant. Do not lose hope if your initial response is unsatisfactory. Maintain your communication with the airline and assert your right to compensation.
- Resist vouchers. Bear in mind, you are entitled to monetary compensation. Do not settle for vouchers if proposed.
- Elevate if required. If the airline denies compensation, consider bringing the issue to a National Enforcement Body or resorting to legal recourse.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the process of claiming flight compensation on your own. Keep in mind that this can be a complex procedure, and expert assistance is available if needed.
Court Action – Smartwings
If Smartwings denies your compensation claim, you might have to think about taking legal action.
Before going to court, though, you can escalate your claim to the NEB. This could help you avoid the need for court proceedings. A favourable outcome from the NEB can strengthen your case and increase your chances of success, even if the airline keeps rejecting your compensation claim.
If, despite all your attempts, the airline continues to refuse to compensate, filing a lawsuit against Smartwings could be your ensuing course of action. It is important to view this stage as a last resort when all other methods of mediation and escalation have been tried. Keep in mind that litigation can be difficult, both financially and in terms of time.
Therefore, preparing yourself and understanding what you’re diving into is essential. However, if your claim is valid under EC Regulation No. 261/2004, and you possess the necessary records to back it up, you might find yourself heading to court next.
What is your experience with Smartwings compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from Smartwings? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.