How to recover a penalty from the carrier for a flight delay?

      Flight delayed or canceled? Passengers often don’t know that in such cases they can not only get a refund but also receive compensation. Here’s what payments are required by law and how to claim them correctly.

      If a flight is delayed due to the airline’s fault (for example, scheduling errors or unforeseen changes, incomplete crew, overbooking), the passenger is entitled to compensation — 3% of the ticket price for each hour of waiting, but no more than the full ticket price.

      For example: if the flight cost 10,000 rubles and the flight was delayed by 4 hours, the company must pay 1,200 rubles.

      In addition, the passenger has the right to demand an additional penalty — 100 rubles for each hour of delay, but no more than 50% of the ticket price. Some airlines also credit extra miles under their loyalty program as an apology.

      The carrier must fully compensate for damages if, because of the plane’s delay, you:

       missed an important event;

       were unable to attend paid medical treatment;

       violated the terms of a travel package;

       incurred additional expenses (for example, for a taxi).

      The main thing is to keep all evidence: receipts, tickets, invoices, payment confirmations. These documents will be needed for an official claim, which can be sent to the airline’s legal address.

      The deadline for filing a claim is six months from the date of the delay or cancellation. Airlines’ websites usually have claim form templates and lists of required documents. After submitting a claim the company must respond within 30 days — by letter or email notification. The response will state whether they agree to compensate for the damages.

      If compensation is not paid, you have the right to go to court.

      You can refuse to fly and get a full refund, even if the ticket is non-refundable.

      If the airline cancels the flight and offers a transfer to another flight — travel to the same destination will be free, regardless of any price difference.

      To apply for compensation:

       go to the airline’s representatives at the airport (they will stamp your boarding pass);

       you can record the conversation on your phone’s camera — but you should film yourself, the floor, or a wall, not the staff.

      This recording may be useful if the case goes to court.

      Also, clarify that you must find out the reason for the delay or cancellation from the airline’s representatives. The carrier is not liable and does not provide monetary compensation if the flight was postponed or canceled due to:

       weather conditions;

       natural disasters;

       staff strikes;

       military actions;

       government flight restrictions;

       aircraft malfunction.