Your Finnair compensation claim is denied.
You’ve sought compensation, but your claim has been rejected.
This can be particularly exasperating when you’re independently pursuing your Finnair compensation claim, especially if you’re uncertain about your eligibility for compensation in the first instance. What’s the next step? Does it merit the effort? Absolutely! While you might consider allowing a flight compensation company to proceed on your behalf, this isn’t your only choice.
You can continue to fight for your entitlements yourself.
Your Finnair Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
Your Finnair compensation claim is denied. Now what?
There exist alternative routes to receive compensation from Finnair.
But before you proceed, take a moment to reassess the legislation and your rights.
1. Collaborating with Flight Compensation Companies
The most straightforward method is to engage with a flight compensation firm.
Simply complete an online form, submit a copy of your boarding pass and passport, and sign the claim. In most scenarios, there’s nothing else to worry about. The firm handles everything else. You no longer need to interact with Finnair. If any further queries arise, something only you can clarify, the compensation company will reach out to you. The only downside is the costs. Most flight compensation agencies charge about 25-45% of the compensation.
Our partners offer such services.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
What is the cost involved?
Generally, the fee is around 25 to 45 percent of the compensation. The balance is forwarded to you. And if you fail to receive compensation, there’s no payment required. Make sure to double-check the fees before you start working with a flight compensation company.
Read more:
2. Contacting the NEB of the Country of Your Flight’s Origin
Collaborating with a flight compensation company isn’t the sole option.
Approaching the NEB (National Enforcement Bodies) is the subsequent move after having attempted to contact the airline personally and having received either a denial or no response. This is a free service. However, it’s not as straightforward as working with a flight compensation company, and it might be time-consuming. Usually, it takes them at least 2 months to process your compensation demand.
The major setback — even if you receive a favorable response, it doesn’t guarantee compensation. Finnair may still deny the request.
You can locate a list of the National Enforcement Bodies here.
The National Enforcement Bodies assist passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight delay or cancellation, as well as enforces the regulation Regulation (EC) 261/2004 and makes sure passengers are treated according to these rules.
3. Escalating the Matter to Court
If your Finnair compensation claim is denied, you can take legal action.
It’s highly recommended to wait for a favorable ruling from the NEB first. As this will greatly assist you in your case against the airline (Finnair in this instance).
This is the most intricate option, but it’s also extremely effective. Before you take your complaint to court, ensure your claim is valid. Revisit your rights and construct your argument. Only then can you be confident that taking legal action is worth it. If you have a verdict from the NEB stating you’re eligible for compensation, attach it to the court documents.
Keep in mind, legal action will incur costs.
Extraordinary Circumstances
Frequently airlines avoid providing the accurate reason for denying your claim.
They offer a very broad explanation, and that’s it.
They are fond of labeling “everything” as extraordinary circumstances.
The reason is simple — compensations are not a revenue-generating venture for any company. Hence, airlines strive to sidestep compensation payouts. Airlines are aware that the majority of passengers are not fully acquainted with their rights. And they exploit this to their advantage. Be slightly wary when you encounter this term.
According to EU regulation 261/2004, airlines are not obligated to pay flight compensation when the disruption is due to extraordinary circumstances. Extraordinary circumstances incorporate severe weather, civil and political upheaval, and concealed manufacturing flaws. Yes, only concealed manufacturing defects are deemed as extraordinary circumstances. Most technical issues are considered the airline’s fault (airline’s responsibility). Staff strikes are also the airline’s responsibility.
Moreover, adverse weather isn’t always an extraordinary circumstance. In certain scenarios, the weather is absolutely foreseeable. For example — snow during the winter months (unless that place rarely experiences snow). In these situations, the airline should take suitable measures to run the flight on schedule.
Find the real reason for the delay or cancellation. It matters.
When Can You Get Flight Compensation From Finnair?
There are numerous circumstances where you have the right to seek flight compensation. These cases encompass flight delays, cancellations, and situations where boarding is denied due to overbooking.
1. Flight Delays
As per EU regulation 261/2004, you are eligible for compensation if your flight reaches its final destination 3 or more hours behind schedule.
The compensation amount is determined by the duration of the delay and the distance of the flight. For instance, suppose your flight from Berlin to London, a short distance less than 1,500km, is delayed by over three hours. In this case, you’re eligible for a reimbursement of €250.
Read more: Finnair Flight Delay Compensation
2. Flight Cancellations
You can claim compensation if your flight is cancelled last-minute.
A last-minute flight cancellation is when a flight is cancelled 14 days or less before the scheduled departure date.
The amount you receive as compensation can vary and is based on the flight’s distance and the extent of the delay in arriving at your ultimate destination. For example, let’s say your flight from Helsinki to Bangkok, a long haul of more than 3,500km, is cancelled at the last minute. If you arrive at your final destination more than 4 hours behind schedule with an alternative flight, you’re eligible for a compensation of €600.
You may also opt for a full Finnair refund, instead of an alternative flight.
Read more: Finnair Flight Cancellation Compensation
3. Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking
On occasion, airlines overbook flights in anticipation of some passengers not showing up.
If you are denied boarding because of overbooking and you don’t voluntarily give up your seat, you can claim compensation.
The amount of compensation depends on your flight’s distance. For instance, if you’re flying from Paris to Athens, a medium distance between 1,500km and 3,500km, and you’re denied boarding because of overbooking. If you reach your final destination over three hours late, you’re entitled to €400 in compensation.
Read more: Finnair Denied Boarding Compensation
What to do if your Finnair compensation claim is denied? Do you have a first-hand experience of denied Finnair compensation claim? Did you take the case to NEB or court?
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