Brussels Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation

Brussels Airlines flight cancellation refund.

Brussels Airlines flight cancellation compensation. Is there a difference? Which are you entitled to? In which situations can you get both? How much is compensation? These are the questions we are going to discuss in this article. There are a number of reasons why Brussels Airlines cancel their flights. Remember — if your flight is cancelled due to the airline’s fault, you may be entitled to both – a full refund from Brussels Airlines and cancellation compensation up to €600.

It applies to most Brussels Airlines flights to and from the EU.

There are two ways you can claim flight cancellation compensation.

1. Brussels Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation: EU Regulations

What happens if your Brussels Airlines flight is cancelled?

Will you be provided with a new ticket? Can you get a full refund if the replacement flight doesn’t fit your schedule? Are you entitled to flight cancellation compensation?

According to EU law, flight cancellation procedures are very specific.

If you are notified of the cancellation 7 – 14 days before the scheduled time of departure:

• You choose a new flight offered by your airline, which departs not more than 2 hours before the original departure time and you reach your destination less than 4 hours after the original arrival time. In this situation you are not entitled to compensation.
• In other situations you are entitled to compensation.

If you are notified of the cancellation less than 7 days before the scheduled time of departure:

• You choose a new flight offered by your airline, which departs not more than 1 hour before the original departure time and you reach your destination less than 2 hours after the original arrival time. In this situation you are not entitled to compensation.
• In other situations you are entitled to compensation.

Could you be entitled to Brussels Airlines flight cancellation compensation? 

Yes, if your flight meets these criteria:

• Cancellation must be due to the fault of Brussels Airlines;
• It must be a last-minute flight cancellation (up to 2 weeks before departure);
• Flight must be to/from Europe (the EU, EEA, UK).

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

Sometimes reasons for flight cancellations are out of the airline’s control.

Situations like these are known as extraordinary circumstances. In such cases, you aren’t entitled to flight cancellation compensation no matter how last-minute is the cancellation.

If your flight is cancelled due to bad weather, natural disaster, terrorism threat, civil unrest, security issues at the airport, or a strike unrelated to the airline, you can’t get flight cancellation compensation from Brussels Airlines. These events are out of the airline’s control. And the airline isn’t responsible for flights cancelled because of such events.

And, yes, make sure to double check what you’re told.

Because not always airlines are telling you the truth. 

If you are claiming compensation on your own, don’t be surprised if your compensation claim is wrongly denied. To avoid paying compensation, airlines often deny claims even if compensation is due. Always be persistent when claiming compensation. If you believe the airline tells you the wrong reason for flight cancellation, ask for proof.

If you don’t want to deal with the airline, work with a flight compensation company. The company will check your flight and pursue compensation on your behalf. Our partners offer such services, too.

1.2 Right to Care

Your Brussels Airlines flight is cancelled last-minute.

Now you have to wait at the airport for a new flight.

In this case you have a right to receive care from the airline. As long as the waiting time at the airport is at least 3 hours. What does it mean for you?

Brussels Airlines must offer you free meals and drinks in a reasonable relation to the waiting time, two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes. If your new flight is leaving only on the next day, a free hotel stay (including free transfer) must be offered.

“Right to care” doesn’t affect your chances of getting compensation.

1.3 Brussels Airlines Flight Cancellation Refund, Brussels Airlines Refund Policy

And again, the rules are very specific.

According to the EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, in case of flight cancellation, Brussels Airlines must offer you a choice between a new flight or a full refund. It applies to all Brussels Airlines cancelled flights. Even flights cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.

Keep in mind that these laws aren’t affected by Brussels Airlines internal policies (Brussels Airlines refund policy). If your Brussels Airlines flight is canceled, you can choose between a new flight or refund. 

Refund should be paid within 7 days to your bank account.

You don’t have to agree to a Brussels Airlines voucher refund.

Here’s an excerpt from the Regulation (EC) No 261/2004:

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Article 5

Cancellation

In case of cancellation of a flight, the passengers concerned shall: (a) be offered assistance by the operating air carrier in accordance with Article 8.

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Article 8

Right to reimbursement or re-routing

Where reference is made to this Article, passengers shall be offered the choice between: (a) – reimbursement within seven days (b) re-routing, under comparable transport conditions, to their final destination at the earliest opportunity.

It doesn’t cover cases when you cancel your Brussels Airlines flight.

2. How to Claim Brussels Airlines Compensation?

There are two ways how you can claim Brussels Airlines flight cancellation compensation.

One of them is more time consuming, the other – easier.

One of the options is to contact Brussels Airlines yourself. Contact Brussels Airlines customer support center using the contact form on the airline’s website. Fill in the form, providing details about your flight. Refer to the European regulations, the (EC) No 261/2004. Request flight cancellation compensation. Keep in mind that compensation claim process might take a while.

You can also take the easiest path — legal representation.

Register your Brussels Airlines compensation claim with a flight compensation company by filling in and signing one form (EU flight cancellation compensation claim form). This is all you have to do. The rest will be done on your behalf by the flight compensation company.

Our partners offer such services.

Read more:

• How to Claim Brussels Airlines Compensation?
• Is Your Brussels Airlines Flight Compensation Claim Denied? What’s Next?
• Your Brussels Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?

2.1 How Long Does It Take?

How long does it take to receive Brussels Airlines flight cancellation compensation?

It depends on the case. Each case is different. If the airline acts fast and cooperates, you might get your money after 2-3 months. If not, it might take a few months until you receive the money.

3. How Much Can You Claim?

The compensation amount in the EU is up to €600 per person.

Here is how you can calculate your Brussels Airlines compensation:

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 Brussels Airlines Voucher Refund or Cash?

What if you are offered a voucher instead of compensation?

If Brussels Airlines voucher compensation is offered to you instead of a bank transfer, you don’t have to accept the voucher. Request a bank transfer instead.

Airline compensation and refunds have to be paid in cash or by bank transfer.

4. Why Do Flights Get Canceled?

Flight cancellations can occur for various reasons.

While some of these reasons fall within the airline’s control, others do not. It’s important to note that if your flight is cancelled due to factors within the airline’s control, you may be eligible for compensation from the airline. However, if the cancellation is due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, often referred to as extraordinary circumstances, you may not be entitled to compensation from the airline.

Regardless of the cause of cancellation, you have the right to receive care and assistance from the airline (“right to care“).

So, why are airlines cancelling flights?

Here are some of the most popular reasons.

4.1 Weather Conditions

One of the most common reasons for flight cancellations is bad weather.

Airplanes are carefully designed to withstand many weather conditions, but sometimes even the most robust machines can’t handle extreme weather. Thunderstorms, hurricanes, snowstorms, and heavy winds are examples of weather that can cause flight cancelations. Airlines often have to cancel their flights to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.

If your flight is cancelled due to bad weather, you can’t get compensation.

4.2 Mechanical Problems (Technical Issues)

Airlines invest heavily in maintaining their aircraft, but machines do break down, and sometimes minor issues can cause flight cancelations. Airlines have strict maintenance guidelines, and if a problem is detected, they will often ground the plane until it’s thoroughly checked, causing delays, or even worse, cancelations.

If your flight is cancelled due to mechanical problems, you may be entitled to compensation.

4.3 Crew Availability Issues

Airlines must have a trained pilot and a number of cabin crew members on board to fly their plane. Flight crew members can be affected by sudden illness, injury or job action such as a strike. And if the airline is unable to find a suitable replacement, they may have to cancel a flight.

If your flight is cancelled due to crew issues, you may be entitled to compensation.

4.4 Air Traffic Congestion

Air traffic controllers help regulate air traffic in an orderly and safe manner. Sometimes airlines encounter problems with air traffic control that can cause delays and even cancelations. If air traffic control systems are down or inadequate, the sky can become congested quickly, causing airlines to cancel flights to prevent further delays.

If your flight is cancelled due to air traffic congestion, you can’t get compensation.

4.5 Unforeseen Events

Sometimes external events that airlines can’t control can cause a flight cancelation.

For example, an explosion at an airport, or a terrorist threat can lead to the evacuation of the airport, and all flights may have to be canceled. In rare situations such as a pandemic, airlines may have to cancel flights due to government restrictions or for the safety of their passengers.

If your flight is cancelled due to any of these events, you can’t get compensation.

5. What Happens If a Flight Is Cancelled?

What to do if your Brussels Airlines flight is cancelled?

First of all, wait for the email from Brussels Airlines.

This email will contain all the necessary information about replacement flight options and refunds. If you are already at the airport, and it’s a very last-minute cancellation, wait for the announcement from the airline. 

You’ll be given a choice between a new flight and full refund.

You can choose either. Keep in mind that refunds are made within 7 days.

There are situations when Brussels Airlines has to pay compensation in addition to refund/new flight. In case of flight cancellation, compensation has to be paid when a flight is cancelled less than 2 weeks before departure date, and it is due to the airline’s fault.

Do you need to be on time for another flight? If it’s a Brussels Airlines connecting flight, don’t worry. If you miss your connection because your previous flight was delayed or cancelled, Brussels Airlines will book you on another flight free of charge. But if it’s a self transfer (separately booked flights), it’s your responsibility.

Brussels Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation and Refund: FAQ

Brussels Airlines Refund

EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists

Other Situations

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