Finnair Flight Delay Compensation

Finnair flight delay compensation.

How to claim for delayed flight? And how much can you get?

Did you know that in the EU passengers are protected under the Regulation (EC) No 261/2004? This means that in certain situations you might be entitled to compensation from the airline. It doesn’t matter what is your nationality, the price of your ticket, or whether or not you have travel insurance. All travellers in Europe are protected under the law, and Finnair has to follow these laws. How to claim compensation for a delayed flight?

One of the options is to let professionals deal with this.

Or, you can pursue flight delay compensation on your own.

1. Finnair Flight Delay Compensation: EU Regulations

Overall, the EU flight delay compensation rules are simple.

Passengers traveling in Europe, as well as on flights to and from Europe, are protected under the EU law. What does it mean for you as a passenger?

You can get flight delay compensation, if you reach your destination 3+ hours later than scheduled, and the delay is due to the fault of the airline. Also, you have a right to care (more on that below).

If you’re flying to or from Europe, your flight is delayed for 3 or more hours, and the delay is due to the fault of Finnair, you are eligible to compensation of up to €600. There are flight compensation regulations in the EU and the UK. These regulations are almost identical.

So, could you be entitled to Finnair flight delay compensation?

Yes, if your flights meets these criteria:

• It’s a 3+ hour delay;
• It’s due to the fault of Finnair;
• Flight is to/from Europe (UK/EU/EEA).

If you are flying with a non-EU/non-UK airline such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, etc., your flight must depart from a European airport. Only then you are protected under the EU law.

So, all the above mentioned rules apply to all Finnair delays and cancellations.

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.

1.1 Extraordinary Circumstances

There are situations when you aren’t eligible for compensation. 

Flights delayed due to “extraordinary circumstances” are not eligible to compensation. 

“Extraordinary circumstances” are events outside the airline’s control. These events are: bad weather, natural disasters, nationwide strikes, terrorism threat, security issues at the airport, civil unrest and similar situations. Situations that airlines have no control over. If your Finnair flight has been delayed because of such events, you can’t get fight delay compensation from Finnair. 

What about strikes? Sometimes you can, other times you can’t get Finnair flight delay compensation in the event of a strike. If it’s a strike unrelated to the airline, you can’t get compensation. Airline staff strikes, on the other hand, are considered airline’s fault. And you might be entitled to compensation in the event of an airline staff strike.

Also don’t forget to double check what you’re told.

One thing to remember, is that not always airlines are telling the real reason for delay. 

If you are claiming compensation yourself, it’s very important. Airlines tend to tell wrong reasons for flight delays, and wrongly refuse compensation claims. So be persistent. Ask for proof. Send several more emails reminding the airline about your case. Another option is to work with a flight compensation company, just to be sure you aren’t being lied to. They can check your flight and claim compensation on your behalf.

Just fill in our claim form, and our partners will do that for you.

1.2 How to Calculate the Delay Time?

What really matters is the time of arrival to your destination.

Yes, that’s right. Arrival time. Not departure time. Especially if you have a connecting flight. To calculate the delay of your connecting flight, you have to check how much later you arrive at your final destination.

Flight delay time is calculated based on the actual time of arrival to your destination, specifically, when the doors of the airplane are opened. If the doors are opened 3 or more hours after the original arrival time, you can get compensation. Keep in mind that you can’t calculate the delay time based on the time of departure.

1.3 Right to Care

In Europe you also have a right to care.

If you have to wait at the airport 3 or more hours due to flight delay, flight cancellation or denied boarding, you have a right to care. What does this mean for you as a passenger?

Finnair must offer you free meals and drinks in a reasonable relation to the waiting time, two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes. If the flight is delayed overnight, you should be offered accommodation and transportation from and to the airport as well. In Europe all passengers are eligible for this type of care from the airline.

2. How to Claim Finnair Compensation For Delayed Flight?

How to claim flight delay compensation Finnair owes you?

There are two ways you can do it online.

One of the options is to contact Finnair yourself. The best way is to contact Finnair using contact and request forms on their website. Request flight delay compensation. Refer to the above mentioned EU Regulation 261/2004 when claiming compensation. Keep in mind that it’s not a fast process. It could take months until your receive compensation. Also the airline might not want to cooperate. You will have to be persistent. 

The second option is — legal representation.

It’s the easiest of the two options.

Work with a flight compensation company and get your compensation without much hassle. All you need to do is to fill in and sign one form. And that’s it. The rest is done for you by a team of professionals.

Read more:

• How to Claim Finnair Compensation?
• Finnair Missed Connection Compensation

2.1 How Long Does It Take?

No matter how you proceed, it isn’t a short process. 

If doesn’t matter if you work with a flight compensation company or claim compensation on your own, this process is quite lengthy. If everything goes well, you might get your Finnair flight delay compensation after 2-3 months. If the airline does not cooperate or wrongly refuses your claim, it might take more.

If you are new to this, it might take time until you figure out what to do. Work with a flight compensation company to save some time (and nerves!).

3. How Much Can You Claim?

The compensation amount is fixed and range from €250 to €600.

How to calculate your Finnair delayed flight compensation?

Use this simple flight delay compensation calculator.

When your destination is within the EU/UK:

When your destination is outside the EU/UK:

There’s one exception. When the flight distance is 3500+ kilometres and you reach your destination 3 to 4 hours later than planned, you are entitled only to 50% of the compensation amount (that means €300, not €600).

3.1 Finnair Voucher Refund or Cash?

You might be offered a voucher or coupon instead of compensation.

Majority of airlines were offering coupons during the COVID crisis. 

However, if a compensation or refund is due, you don’t have to accept any vouchers or coupons from Finnair. Unless, of course, you want to have a coupon. In the European Union, airline compensations and refunds are paid in cash or by bank transfer.

Read more:

• Your Finnair Flight Is Delayed. Should You Wait at Home?
• Your Finnair Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?

Finnair Flight Delay Compensation: FAQ

EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists

Other Situations

What is your experience? Have you ever received Finnair flight delay compensation? Do you still have questions about Finnair compensation claim procedures and policies? Ask in the comments.