You’ve requested a full refund from Finnair and yet you’re still waiting…
Maybe Finnair has contacted you about the payment delay or perhaps you’ve yet to hear from them. Each scenario will differ, but it’s important to remember that in the EU, these processes are regulated. As per the law, Finnair should process your flight cancellation refund within a 7-day window. That is, if the airline has cancelled a flight, not you.
But what if it’s already exceeded this time frame?
How to Deal with Delayed Finnair Refund: A Step-by-Step Guide
Airlines are obligated to offer you a refund if a flight is cancelled.
To illustrate, in the European Union, if Finnair cancels a flight, they are required to give you the option of a full refund or a free replacement flight to your destination. Remember that there are times when you can avail only of a refund, but there are also situations where you can claim both a cancellation refund and flight cancellation compensation.
Step 1: Reach Out to Finnair
Reach out to Finnair’s customer service through their website.
Unless there is a significant unexpected event, such as a global pandemic, they should be able to respond within a week. If you don’t receive any response after a week, send several more messages. Repeat this process every few days, until you get their attention.
Step 2: Connect with Finnair Through Social Media
If Finnair doesn’t respond, resort to social media.
If, after two weeks of sending emails and web messages, you still haven’t received a response, use Facebook and Twitter to contact Finnair. Remind them about the 7-day deadline and reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Article 5 and 8.
Step 3: Say No to Finnair Vouchers
Your refund must be credited to your bank account.
You are not obligated to accept Finnair vouchers or coupons.
Step 4: Engage with the National Enforcement Body (NEB)
Every EU member state has its own NEB.
Get in touch with the NEB of the country from which your flight departed. If, for example, your flight originated from Germany, you should contact the Nationale Beschwerde- und Durchsetzungsstelle Fluggastrechte. If the flight was from a country outside the EU, reach out to the NEB of the destination country. The contact details of these organizations can be found on this page.
Find out more about this here.
Please be aware that while the fourth option is usually the most effective, it is also the most time-consuming. It typically takes around 2 months for the relevant NEB to make a decision, and then you must wait for Finnair to process the payment. To get the best results, persist in reminding Finnair about your case on their social media pages and through other communication channels.
Finnair Refund: When Can You Claim It?
As per EU laws, you are entitled to a full refund if Finnair cancels your flight.
If your flight is cancelled, Finnair must give you the option of either a re-routing (replacement flight at no extra cost) or a full refund of your ticket. This rule applies regardless of the reason for the cancellation, including extraordinary circumstances. The flight cancellation refund must be issued within seven days.
Any delay from the airline in processing refunds is a violation of EU regulations, and passengers may decide to take further action.
What Happens If You Are the One to Cancel the Flight?
If you are the one cancelling the flight, the refund situation can become somewhat more complex. Here are a few things to consider:
- Flexible tickets. If you bought a flexible ticket, you will likely be able to get a refund, but do read the airline’s terms and conditions thoroughly.
- Non-refundable tickets. With non-refundable tickets, it’s unlikely that you will receive a full refund. However, airlines may offer to refund the taxes you paid as part of your ticket price.
- Travel insurance. If you have travel insurance that covers cancellations, you may be able to claim a refund from your insurance provider, depending on the reason for cancellation.
- Cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Some airlines will offer a full refund if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, provided that the booking was made at least 7 days before the flight’s departure.
- Exceptional circumstances. If you must cancel due to exceptional circumstances, such as a severe illness or a death in the family, the airline may provide a refund or credit for future travel, depending on their policy.
Flight Cancellation due to Extraordinary Circumstances: Can You Get a Refund?
There may be instances when a flight is cancelled due to unforeseen conditions, such as severe weather, strikes by airport personnel (excluding airline staff strikes), or security concerns. In these situations, the airline is generally not held accountable for the disruption.
Nonetheless, as per the European Union’s regulations (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004), when a flight is cancelled, irrespective of the reason, the airline is obliged to give passengers a choice between a full refund and alternative travel arrangements. This implies that even in cases of extraordinary circumstances leading to flight cancellation, passengers retain their right to a refund.
Remember that this refund should be processed within a seven-day timeframe. If you experience delays in getting your refund, don’t hesitate to implement the step-by-step approach detailed above.
What is your experience with Finnair refunds? Have you ever received a refund from Finnair? Share your experience in the comments!