How to claim Brussels Airlines compensation?
How to claim flight delay compensation?
The process of claiming compensation from Brussels Airlines varies depending on the situation at hand. In certain cases, you may have multiple options available, allowing you to either handle the claim personally or delegate it to someone who can efficiently manage it on your behalf. However, there may be instances where your only option is to manage the claim independently. It is essential to distinguish between compensation and refund, as these terms are not interchangeable. Depending on the specific circumstances, you may qualify for compensation, a refund, or even both.
How to Claim Brussels Airlines Compensation?
The procedure for claiming compensation from Brussels Airlines depends on the type of compensation you are seeking. Here are some of the most common types of compensation:
1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: Brussels Airlines
Please note that technical issues with the aircraft and staff strikes are considered the airline’s responsibility and not classified as extraordinary circumstances.
1.1 Lengthy Flight Delays
To be eligible for flight delay compensation, the following conditions must be met:
- The delay must be 3 hours or longer (calculated at the time of arrival).
- The delay must be caused by the airline’s fault.
- The flight must be within, to, or from Europe.
If you need to file a compensation claim with Brussels Airlines, you can reach out to their customer support center via their website and complete the provided claim form. Make sure to refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and maintain persistent communication throughout the process.
Alternatively, you can also file a claim with our partners.
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.
Read more: Brussels Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
1.2 Flight Cancellation
How to claim Brussels Airlines compensation for a cancelled flight?
To get compensation from Brussels Airlines, your flight must be:
- Cancelled last-minute (up to 14 days before the flight);
- Cancelled due to the fault of Brussels Airlines (not due to bad weather, pandemic or other extraordinary circumstances);
- To/within/from Europe.
Contact Brussels Airlines customer support center via their website to make a claim.
Make sure to refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and maintain persistent communication in order to avoid claim rejection from the airline.
Or file a claim with our partners.
Read more: Brussels Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
1.3 Flight Overbooking / Denied Boarding
There are specific criteria that must be met to qualify for compensation in case of denied boarding:
- Involuntary denial of boarding due to overbooking.
- Denial of boarding must be caused by the airline’s fault (e.g., overbooking) and not due to issues with your passport or visa.
- The flight must be departing from, within, or arriving in Europe.
Please note that passengers without appropriate travel documentation, such as valid visas, are not eligible for compensation. Additionally, passengers who voluntarily choose alternative arrangements (i.e., voluntary denied boarding), such as taking a later flight, may not be eligible for compensation.
How to claim compensation for denied boarding? Contact the customer support center of Brussels Airlines through their website. Make reference to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Or file a claim with our partners.
Read more: Brussels Airlines Denied Boarding Compensation
1.4 Missed Connecting Flight
If your first Brussels Airlines flight is delayed or canceled, resulting in a missed connection and causing a delay of 3 hours or more in reaching your final destination, you may be eligible for compensation according to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
However, the following conditions must be met:
- The delay must be attributed to Brussels Airlines’s fault and not classified as extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather conditions or pandemics).
- The flight must be departing from or arriving in Europe.
To initiate a compensation claim with Brussels Airlines, reach out to their customer support center via their website. Make sure to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 as a reference.
Or file a claim with our partners.
Read more: Brussels Airlines Missed Connection Compensation
1.5 Involuntary Downgrading
In the event that you are involuntarily downgraded from your flight, the airline is obligated to provide you with compensation. The amount of compensation varies depending on the distance of your flight and ranges from 30% to 75% of the ticket cost. The airline is required to issue this compensation immediately.
If Brussels Airlines fails to fulfil this obligation, it is important to contact the airline and initiate a compensation claim. Please be aware that you are not obligated to accept any vouchers or coupons offered by the airline as a substitute for compensation.
Read more: Brussels Airlines Flight Downgrade Compensation
2. Baggage Compensation
How to claim Brussels Airlines compensation for baggage loss or damage?
When it comes to baggage-related issues, you have two options available.
Option 1: contact your insurance company. They will guide you through the process and assist you in seeking reimbursement for any losses or damages.
Option 2: File a claim through Brussels Airlines’ website. By submitting your claim directly to the airline, you can engage with their dedicated support team and follow their specific procedures to seek the appropriate compensation for your baggage-related issues.
Please note that flight compensation companies typically do not handle baggage claims.
2.1 Damaged Baggage
If your baggage is damaged on a Brussels Airlines flight, here’s what you can do.
Step by step:
- File a damage report at the airport;
- Provide necessary information;
- Get compensation of up to €1300.
Read more: Brussels Airlines Damaged Baggage Compensation
2.2 Delayed Baggage
If your bag is delayed, follow this step by step guide:
- Report the loss of your bag at the airport;
- Get the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a personal reference number;
- Utilize the reference number provided in the PIR to track the status of your bag online;
- Seek reimbursement for your expenses. If you had to purchase essential items due to the bag delay, keep the receipts as proof of your expenses.
Read more: Brussels Airlines Delayed Baggage Compensation
2.3 Lost Baggage
In certain instances, your bag may unfortunately not be located at all.
If this happens, here’s what you should do:
- Report the loss of your bag at the airport;
- Obtain the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a personal reference number;
- Track your bag’s status online, using the reference number from the PIR;
- If your bag is not found after 21 days, provide a list of things you had in your bag, to receive lost baggage compensation of up to €1300;
- In addition to this compensation, you can file a claim for any additional expenses you incurred as a direct result of the baggage loss.
Read more: Brussels Airlines Lost Baggage Compensation
3. Brussels Airlines Refund For Cancellation
In the event of a flight cancellation by Brussels Airlines, you have the choice to either receive a refund for the amount you paid for the flight or a replacement flight.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also be eligible for compensation.
To initiate the process of claiming your refund or compensation, it is crucial to promptly contact Brussels Airlines. If needed, follow up after a couple of weeks to ensure timely resolution.
For more detailed information on this process, kindly refer to the linked article.
Read more: Brussels Airlines Refund For Cancellation
3.1 What If You Cancel a Brussels Airlines Flight?
In the event you need to cancel your Brussels Airlines flight, the procedure is straightforward.
Start by cancelling your reservation; this can be done online via the Brussels Airlines website or by contacting their customer service. Following cancellation, a refund request should be submitted. The refund you will receive is largely predicated on the terms and conditions of your ticket fare.
Keep in mind that not all tickets are refundable. If you have purchased a non-refundable ticket, you may not be eligible for a refund, or if applicable, significant cancellation fees may be charged. It’s essential to thoroughly read and comprehend the fare rules before purchasing your ticket.
You should also be aware that although you may be entitled to a refund, you will not receive compensation for canceling your own flight. Compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 is only applicable when the flight is canceled by the airline, not when the passenger decides to cancel.
Do Not Agree to Brussels Airlines Vouchers
When you are due a European flight compensation or a refund from Brussels Airlines, it’s important to know that you are under no obligation to accept Brussels Airlines vouchers as a form of compensation. You have the right to demand a monetary refund instead.
While dealing with Brussels Airlines customer service, always remember to reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and clearly state that you are not willing to accept vouchers as compensation. If the customer service representative does not offer a cash refund, request to speak with a supervisor or manager.
Indeed, you are entitled to receive your compensation or refund from Brussels Airlines without having to accept vouchers as payment.
Claiming Brussels Airlines Flight Compensation On Your Own
How to claim Brussels Airlines compensation yourself?
When pursuing Brussels Airlines flight compensation on your own, it is important to maintain persistence and have a solid understanding of your rights. It is not uncommon for airlines to employ tactics to avoid compensation obligations, such as exaggerating issues or incorrectly categorizing technical problems as extraordinary circumstances (which they are not). Additionally, some airlines may attempt to substitute compensation with vouchers or other offers.
It is crucial to note that these tactics are not unique to Brussels Airlines and are commonly employed by airlines worldwide. Therefore, staying informed and asserting your rights is essential when claiming flight compensation independently.
In summary, to independently claim Brussels Airlines flight compensation:
- Understand if you are eligible for compensation. Using EC Regulation No. 261/2004 as a reference, determine if your situation qualifies you for flight compensation or a refund.
- Keep all relevant documents. This includes boarding passes, tickets, receipts, and any other proof of your flight and its associated costs.
- Contact Brussels Airlines. Submit your claim directly to Brussels Airlines’ customer service. This can be done via email, telephone, or their website.
- Be persistent. If the initial response is not satisfactory, stand your ground. Continue to correspond with the airline and reinforce your right to compensation.
- Refuse vouchers. Remember, you are entitled to financial compensation. Do not accept vouchers if they are offered.
- Escalate if necessary. If the airline rejects your compensation request, contemplate taking the issue to a National Enforcement Body or initiating a lawsuit.
By following these steps, you can independently claim Brussels Airlines compensation. However, keep in mind that this process can be complex, and professional help is available if needed.
Read more:
- Your Brussels Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
- Is Your Brussels Airlines Flight Compensation Claim Denied? What’s Next?
Court Action – Brussels Airlines
If Brussels Airlines rejects your compensation claim, you may find it necessary to pursue legal action against the airline. However, before proceeding to court, you have the option to escalate your claim to the National Enforcement Body (NEB). Engaging with NEB can potentially help you avoid going to court entirely. A favorable decision from NEB can significantly strengthen your position in court and increase the chances of getting compensation.
What is your experience with Brussels Airlines compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from Brussels Airlines? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.
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