Emirates: Compensation for delayed flight, cancellation, denied boarding
How to claim Emirates compensation online?
Emirates is the largest airline of the United Arab Emirates. The airline is based in Garhoud, Dubai. Even though it isn’t a European airline, it is operating in the European Union and when it comes to its flights departing from the European Union it has to follow the rules set by the EU. That’s why in some situations when your flight gets delayed or cancelled, you will be entitled to EU flight compensation.
How to claim Emirates flight delay compensation?
How to claim Emirates flight cancellation compensation?
Check your compensation online!
Or continue reading to learn more about your rights.
Here are 6 main topics that we will focus on:
1. What to do if your flight is delayed?
2. What to do if your flight is cancelled?
3. How to claim Emirates flight delay compensation?
4. How to claim Emirates flight cancellation compensation?
5. How to claim Emirates denied boarding compensation?
6. Connecting flights with Emirates
1. What to do if your flight is DELAYED?
What are your rights? What if you have a connecting flight?
Could you be entitled to Emirates flight delay compensation?
1.1 If you are still at home
You have learned that your flight with Emirates is delayed.
You learned of it out when checking your flight status online.
First of all, try to contact Emirates or the airport you are flying from to ask what is the situation with check in. Is check in happening as planned or is it postponed? So you know if to wait or proceed to the airport as planned. Find it out even if you have already checked in for the flight online.
If check in is happening later, stay at home or hotel.
If check in isn’t affected, go to the airport as planned.
Do you have a connecting flight?
If it’s a connecting flight with Emirates, you are protected.
If it’s a connection booked from Emirates, you are protected. That includes flights operated by its codeshare partners. If your flight is delayed and you miss a connecting flight it’s their responsibility to find a solution. The airline has an obligation to take you to your destination. In most situations they will offer you a new flight for free.
If it's a self transfer flight — it's your responsibility.
If you have booked your flights separately, even if you have booked them from one airline, mostly it’s still your responsibility to find a solution if there are any problems.
1.2 If you are already at the airport
Find out what is the situation with check in.
Has it already started? Is it going to start as planned?
If check in for your flight is postponed, don’t proceed through airport security. Wait where you are even if you have already checked in online. You never know how long the delay may turn out. There is also a possibility that your flight gets cancelled at some point. So it’s better to wait at first.
If check in for your flight has started, proceed as normally.
- 3 hour flight delay
Emirates is an airline registered in the UAE.
But it doesn’t mean that you aren't protected.
Every time you are flying from the EU you are still under the EU protection. That includes both direct and connecting flights departing from airports in the European Union. If any of your flights is delayed and you have to wait extra, you have the right to care. If it’s 3 hours or more, Emirates should provide you with two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes and with a free meal and drink.
Mostly it’s provided in the form of coupons.
You don’t even have to have travel insurance for that.
All thanks to Europe's Flight Compensation Regulation EC 261/2004.
If it isn’t provided, contact Emirates staff at the airport.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
What if it turns out to be a very long delay?
What if your flight is happening only tomorrow?
In this case Emirates should also provide free accommodation.
In these situations it doesn’t matter if you have travel insurance or not, what class is your ticket or how much does it cost. Everyone flying with Emirates have the right to care, but since Emirates is an airline from the UAE, these regulations apply only to their flights departing from the EU and elsewhere where the Regulation EC 261/2004 is in effect.
1.3 If it's fault of Emirates
Then you might be entitled to EU flight delay compensation.
If it’s fault of the airline (not something unavoidable) and the flight departed from the EU, you may as well receive Emirates delayed flight compensation. For example, staff shortage and technical problems mostly are considered airline’s fault. All you have to do is file a compensation claim.
Have you experienced a flight delay?
If you have — file a compensation claim.
1.4 Emirates flight delay compensation: Outside the EU
What if you are flying to Dubai, for example?
Could you be entitled to compensation if your flight is late?
You could, but there is one thing you should understand — if the flight is from the EU, your chances are much higher than if the flight is from elsewhere. Because of the already mentioned Regulation EC 261/2004 created by the European Union. With Emirates this regulation applies only to flight departing from the EU but not the other way around.
In the rest of the situations it depends from the local laws of the country you are flying from, and also from their own policies (Emirates flight delay compensation rules).
1.5 Why do flights get delayed?
Here are some of the top reasons why flights get delayed.
2. What to do if your flight is CANCELLED?
What are your rights if that happens?
What if you have a connecting flight? What if you are going to miss it because of this? Could you be entitled to Emirates flight compensation for cancelled flight?
2.1 If you are still at home
Have you received an e-mail from Emirates?
If you have received an-email, most probably you already know what are your options now. Every time an airline cancels a flight it gives some explanation and solution. If your flight is from the EU, you can always demand a refund (in cash or by transfer), even if your flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances. It’s your right in the European Union.
If you haven’t received anything, contact Emirates.
Most likely you will have to choose between a new flight and refund.
If it's their fault, you may also get compensation.
More on that further below.
2.2 If you are already at the airport
First of all, don’t go through airport security.
If you haven’t already gone through airport security, don’t do it. Because you may not fly anywhere today. Sure, Emirates will not leave it just like that. They will look for possible solutions — alternative flights to offer to its customers. However, you never know how long is it going to take them and when is your new flight going to depart.
Apart from that you will still need to check in for that new flight.
So, definitely don’t go through airport security yet.
What if you have already done it? Try to go back to the landside.
If you have already checked in your luggage, contact Emirates to find out whether you will have to re-collect it yourself or will it be transferred to your new flight by them.
Do you have a connecting flight?
If it’s a connecting flight with Emirates, you are protected.
Emirates is a traditional airline offering airline protected connecting flights. What it means for you is that whenever there is a problem with any of your flights, they take care of that. If one of your flights with Emirates is cancelled and because of that you miss the following flight, Emirates will give you a new flight for free.
If it's a self transfer flight — it's your responsibility.
- 3 hour flight delay
Emirates is an airline registered in the UAE.
But it doesn’t mean that you aren't protected.
Every time you are on a flight from the EU you are under the protection of the EU. That includes both direct and connecting flights departing from European countries. If your European flight is cancelled and you have to wait more than planned, you have the right to care. If you have to wait 3+ hours, Emirates should provide you with two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes and with a free meal and drink.
Mostly it’s provided in the form of coupons.
All passengers are entitled to this type of care.
All thanks to Europe's Flight Compensation Regulation EC 261/2004.
If you haven’t received it, contact Emirates staff at the airport.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
As already mentioned, sometimes these things take longer.
What if you are offered a new flight that leaves after 24 hours?
According to the EU regulations, you are protected against problems like this. In these situations your airline should offer you also free hotel accommodation.
It doesn’t matter what is the reason of the cancellation.
Everyone flying with Emirates have the right to this type of care, but since Emirates is an airline registered in the UAE not in the EU, all of this applies only to their flights departing from the European Union and elsewhere where the above mentioned regulation is in effect.
2.3 If it's fault of Emirates
Flight cancellations happen due to number of reasons.
Some of these reasons are considered within airline’s control, while others — outside. And sometimes airlines try to hide the real reason behind the cancellation. Why? Because in the EU if the reason of your cancellation is something that is within airline’s control (their fault), often you can receive EU flight cancellation compensation.
Have you ever experienced a flight cancellation?
If you have — file a compensation claim.
2.4 Why do flights get cancelled?
Here are some of the top reasons why flights get cancelled.
3. How to claim Emirates flight delay compensation?
Let’s assume that your flight with Emirates was delayed.
It was a flight that departed from Europe and you reached your final destination 3 or more hours late. It was due to something that is within airline’s control, and now you are entitled to flight delay compensation up to €600.
How to claim Emirates airline compensation?
There are two options:
1. You can do it all on your own. Get in touch with Emirates and file a compensation claim. Use a contact form on their website if you can’t find the Emirates flight delay claim form. Be prepared that also reputable airlines like Emirates may try to use different methods to avoid paying EU flight compensation.
Contact us, if you will need legal advice.
2. You can also take the easiest path — register your Emirates delay claim for compensation online with us. Let us be your legal representatives. We will help you to get your Emirates flight delay compensation much easier.
When working with us, here is all you will have to do:
- Go to this page;
- Fill in the details about yourself and your flight;
- Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
- Sign the claim online.
That’s all from you. We will do the rest.
To make the process as easy as possible, we don’t charge anything in advance. Apart from that you will not pay a single cent, if it turns out that you aren’t entitled to compensation or if the airline will refuse the payment. If the case is successful, however, our fee is only €25 + 25% of the amount of the compensation.
Learn more about EU flight delay compensation.
- How long does it take?
On average this process takes around 2-3 months.
It’s from the moment you file a claim and sign it until money arrives in your bank account. In some situations these things take longer — for example, if the airline refuses the claim. When that happens and if we don’t agree with the reasoning, we take the case to the competent National Enforcement Body or to the court.
- How far back can you claim flight delay compensation?
In different countries these rules are slightly different.
However, in most countries of the EU it’s 2-3 years.
It depends from the laws of the country a flight is from. For the best chance of getting your Emirates delay compensation easy and with less trouble, make a claim as soon as possible.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
No, all of this applies to everyone flying with Emirates.
These rules are the same for all passengers. Your nationality doesn’t matter. You don't have to be European, to receive EU flight delay compensation from Emirates. All that matters is if the flight is from the EU.
- What about codeshare flights?
What if it was a codeshare flight?
What if you booked your flight from Emirates, but it was a flight with Qantas or China Southern Airlines? It’s a very real possibility nowadays when most airlines around the world share some of their flights. What if your flight gets delayed? Which airline is going to be held responsible?
Which airline is going to pay the compensation?
The airline operating the flight is gonna be responsible.
If your flight was with Qantas, then Qantas will pay.
3.1 How much can you claim?
In the EU flight compensation amounts are fixed.
In most situations you can receive 250, 400 or 600 euro.
Mostly that means the longer the flight, the bigger the compensation. The amounts are the same for all airlines operating flights from the European Union, and they are the same for all passengers. No matter the age, nationality, airline, travel class, price of the ticket or if you have travel insurance. Even a kid can receive full flight compensation.
4. How to claim Emirates flight cancellation compensation?
Let’s assume that your flight with Emirates was cancelled.
It was a flight departing from Europe and you were informed of the cancellation less than 2 weeks before the departure. It was due to fault of Emirates — due to something that is within their control, and now you are entitled to flight delay compensation up to €600.
What’s next? How to claim this compensation?
There are two options:
1. You can do it on your own. Contact Emirates, claim compensation and wait. One of the easiest ways to do it is via their website. Submit everything and wait for the money. Be prepared that very often airlines, even the biggest and best ones, try to avoid paying EU flight compensation. It’s annoying, but these things happen. Remember to be persistent in your communication.
Contact us, if you will need legal advice.
2. You can also take the easiest path — file a compensation claim online with us. We will be your legal representatives, and we will take care of all of this on your behalf. We will help you to get your Emirates flight cancellation compensation easier and faster.
When working with us, here is all you will have to do:
- Go to this page;
- Fill in the details about yourself and your flight;
- Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
- Sign the claim online.
One online form, and that’s it from you. We will do the rest.
There are no upfront fees and you pay nothing for checking.
If you don’t want to take an alternative flight offered by Emirates, you can also opt for a refund if the flight is from the EU. In this case both your Emirates refund and compensation has to be paid in cash or by transfer to your bank account. You don’t have to accept coupons or miles.
Learn more about EU flight cancellation compensation.
- How long does it take?
It depends from case to case.
On average this process takes between 2 to 3 months.
- How far back can you claim flight cancellation compensation?
In most of the EU you can claim for flights up to 3 years old.
For the best chance of success, do it as soon as possible.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
No, it applies to everyone.
Everyone flying with Emirates is equally as protected.
You can be from the US or Australia, it doesn’t matter. These rules are the same for everyone. No matter the nationality and age (it applies also to infants). You don't have to be European, to be entitled to EU flight cancellation compensation. You don’t even need an insurance for this.
- What about codeshare flights?
What if it was a codeshare flight?
What if you made a booking on the website of Emirates, but the flight was actually with Qantas or China Southern Airlines? To put it simply, a flight was shared by two or more partnering airlines. Airlines do it a lot. They share their flights. What if there is a problem with your flight? Which airline will be held responsible?
Which airline will have to pay the compensation?
The airline operating the flight will be responsible.
If your flight was with Qantas, it’s their responsibility.
4.1 How much can you claim?
In most of situations you can claim up to 600 euro.
The longer the trip, the bigger will be your compensation.
- €250 — if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres;
- €400 — if the distance is between 1500 to 3500 kilometres;
- €600 — if the distance is more than 3500 kilometres.
5. Emirates denied boarding compensation
Generally speaking, rules are about the same.
In the EU you are protected against delays, cancellations and overbooking. And there are also very specific rules regarding downgrading.
According to Regulation EC 261/2004, you should receive compensation from the airline you are flying with not only if your flight is delayed or cancelled, but also if you are denied boarding due to overbooking. If you are denied boarding simply because there are no more free seats, you should be receiving EU denied boarding compensation.
With Emirates it applies to all its flights departing from Europe.
Compensation amounts are the same — up to 600 euro.
And you can get both — a new flight or refund and compensation.
But don’t forget that this applies only to overbooking.
You will not be entitled to Emirates denied boarding compensation if there are problems with your passport, if it’s about to expire, or there are any kind of problems with your travel documents. If you aren't allowed on the plane because of that, then you can’t get compensation. Same as if you voluntarily give up your seat and agree to fly later.
Speaking of the payment, denied boarding compensation, Emirates may owe you, also should be paid in cash or by bank transfer, not in coupons or miles.
Learn more about EU denied boarding compensation.
6. Connecting flights with Emirates
Founded in 1985, Emirates is the largest airline of the United Arab Emirates. The airline is based in Garhoud, Dubai. According to airline and airport review site Skytrax, Emirates is a 4-star airline. It’s a full service airline, and as a such it offers airline protected connecting flights.
For you that means convenience and protection.
Your luggage is being taken to your final destination. You don’t have to collect it on the way and re check it. You also have to check in only once, even if your journey consists of several legs. And if there are any problems with your flights, the airline takes care of these problems.
If, for example, one of your flights is late and because of that you miss the next flight, Emirates will offer you a new flight to your destination completely for free.
By Europe and EU we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Remember, whenever your Emirates flight is delayed, cancelled or you have been denied boarding - you might be entitled to flight compensation. File a claim to get it sorted out right away!