Iberia: Compensation for delayed flight, cancellation, denied boarding
How to claim Iberia compensation online?
Is your Iberia flight delayed? Or cancelled? If any of that has happened during the last 3 years, here is a good news for you. According to EU regulations you now might be owed up to €600 by Iberia. All thanks to Europe's Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004 (EC 261). What should you do next?
How to claim your Iberia flight delay compensation?
How to receive Iberia 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 Iberia flight delay compensation?
4. How to claim your Iberia flight cancellation compensation?
5. How to claim Iberia denied boarding compensation?
6. Connecting flights with Iberia
1. What to do if your flight is DELAYED?
Ok, so your Iberia flight is delayed.
Well, that happens more often than you think. So, first of all, there is nothing to stress about. What should you do next?
What to do if your Iberia flight is delayed?
1.1 If you are still at home
If you haven’t left for the airports, stay at home for a while.
Have you received an email from Iberia explaining the situation? If yes, then most probably you already know what has happened and what to do next. If you haven’t - see if you can find out why is your Iberia flight delayed.
Check your flight status online.
Go to the website of the airport to check, how long is this delay going to be.
Alternatively use FlightStats or Flightradar24 to check your Iberia flight status.
If it’s a short delay, wait for a while and proceed as planned.
Otherwise - act according to the situation.
Do you have a connecting flight you may miss now?
If it’s a connecting flight you have booked from Iberia, then there is nothing to worry about. Because even if you miss something, the airline will take care of that by putting you on the next flight at no extra cost.
If it’s a so called self transfer flight - you have booked it separately - then, well, you will have to take care of that yourself.
1.2 If you are already at the airport
Go and check out if the check in has started already.
If the check in has started, then go and check in, if you haven’t yet, proceed through airport security and wait. You'll make a claim for Iberia compensation later, at your destination (if it's a 3+ hour delays).
Unless it is expected to be a rather long delay and you may change your plans, and not take this flight after all. You may decide so, if you have a next flight, that you have booked separately and now you may miss it.
If you have a connecting flight booked with Iberia, they will take care of you if you miss your connecting flight because of them. If you miss your connecting flight they will put you on another flight for free. It may take a while and you may leave only tomorrow, but you’ll be taken care of.
But the things aren’t the same, if you have a connecting flight that you have booked separately. Then that's your responsibility. No matter if it's a flight booked with Iberia or some other airline, the rules are the same.
- 3 hour flight delay
If it’s going to be a long delay, Iberia is obliged to take care of you.
As a European airline operating in Europe it has to follow a set of rules.
In case of Iberia flight delays of 3 or more hours that means providing you with a free meal and drink, plus two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes. Food and drinks are mostly provided in form of coupons, that you can redeem at the airport.
Since Iberia is a European airline, it applies to all its flights to, from or within Europe. To all Iberia delays. When you're flying with a non-EU airline, it applies only to flights from the EU.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
Free hotel accommodation, transport to and from it, plus free meals and drinks should be provided if it is going to be an overnight delay.
Again, if you haven’t been offered it, ask for it.
No matter the reason of the delay Iberia is obliged to provide this type of care.
All passengers are eligible to it, no matter the citizenship.
1.3 If it's fault of Iberia
In this case you may also be owed a flight delay compensation.
That's up to €600 per passenger.
If the reason of the delay is something within Iberia’s control, and you have made it 3 or more hours late, you should demand your Iberia flight delay compensation. In fact, they should be offering it themselves, whenever that happens. But mostly it doesn’t work like this. So, you have to make a claim.
If the delay is less than 3 hours, then it doesn’t count.
What matters here is the time of your arrival. Or more exactly - the moment doors of the airplane are opened and passengers are free to leave the aircraft. If it’s 3 or more hours later than planned, then it counts as a long delay and you are entitled to delay compensation.
Was your Iberia flight 3 or more hours late?
If yes, you can claim for flight delay compensation.
1.4 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?
Your Iberia flight is cancelled. What should you do next?
Could you be entitled to flight cancellation compensation?
2.1 If you are still at home
It has happened. Your flight is cancelled.
Have you received an email from Iberia? If yes, check this email carefully. It should have answers to everything from what has happened to what should you do now. If you don’t understand something, get back to them.
Haven’t received anything from Iberia?
If your flight is today or tomorrow, contact Iberia customer service now.
Be prepared, that in most situations you’ll be offered either to take another flight (for free) or receive full refund of what you paid for the ticket. Even if the flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.
Choose what suits your the best.
Don’t forget to take into account other travel plans you might have. Other flights, trains and buses you may have already booked.
Do you have a connecting flight that’s going to be affected?
If it’s booked with Iberia, then you are protected. The airline will take care of you if you miss the flight because of their fault.
If it isn’t a connecting flight (but just yet another flight booked separately), then… you’ll have to find a solution yourself.
2.2 If you are already at the airport
Already at the airport?
Wait for more information. And don’t proceed through the security yet. You may not fly anywhere today. Because once an airline cancels a flight, it has to find a new one. Whatever is the reason of the cancellation, passengers still need to be taken to their destination.
And sometimes finding a solution takes more time than just a few hours.
If you have already gone through airport security, wait for more information regarding your Iberia flight cancellation.
If it’s possible, go back to the arrivals and wait there.
Mostly contacting Iberia staff right after the flight cancellation will not give you any results. It’s better to wait at first for a while. For an hour or two. As they will not be able to provide you with any more information than you already have yourself.
Is there any other flight you will miss now? A connecting flight?
If it’s a connecting flight you have booked with Iberia, then you can relax.
The airline will take care of that. And if because fo their fault you will miss that flight, they will book you on another flight. For free.
Yes, you will not have to pay for that.
That’s how it works not only in Europe and with European airlines, but with most airlines around the world.
If it isn’t - you’ll, unfortunately, have to deal with that yourself.
- 3 hour flight delay
There will be a new flight. This far everything’s clear.
Sooner or later there will be one.
What else you should know is that now Iberia is obliged to take care of you.
Free meal and drink, plus two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes should be provided if the delay is going to be at least 3 hours long. Contact the airline staff to get it sorted.
It applies to all its flights to, from or within Europe.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
Free hotel accommodation, transport to and from it, plus free meals and drinks should be provided if it is going to be an overnight delay.
Yes, you will not have to sleep at the airport.
And again it’s Iberia’s responsibility to provide you with this type of care.
No matter your citizenship or whether you have or haven't purchased travel insurance. You don't have to be European to receive this type of care or flight compensation.
2.3 If it's fault of Iberia
Then they may also owe you a compensation up to €600.
That’s if the reason behind the delay is something within their control. Something Iberia should have taken care of, but haven’t. For instance, technical problems with the aircraft mostly are considered something within airline’s control.
Plus - already mentioned free food, free accommodation and a new flight.
2.4 Why do flights get cancelled?
Here are some of the top reasons why flights get cancelled.
3. How to claim Iberia flight delay compensation?
Your Iberia flight was delayed.
And now you have arrived to your destination more than 3 hours late. Which means that now you might be entitled to a decent flight delay compensation. Up to €600 per passenger to be exact.
How to claim it? Can you do it yourself?
There are two options:
1. You can do it yourself. Go to the website of Iberia. Find the right form, submit all the information they are asking for, wait and hope for the best. Experience of others shows that it takes time and Iberia may try to trick you into accepting less than you are entitled to.
Search for a legal advice, if necessary. Or contact us.
2. Or you can work with us. You can register your flight online at refundor.com. And we’ll do all the legal actions on your behalf. We will submit your Iberia compensation claim on your behalf.
We will help you to get your Iberia flight delay compensation.
- Go to this page on our website;
- Fill in the details about yourself and your Iberia flight delay;
- Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
- Sign the claim online.
And… you’re done. Now you can return to doing what you were doing before.
Because we’ll take it from here.
Once we receive your Iberia delay compensation in our bank account, we’ll transfer it to you. Our fee - only €25 + 25% of the amount of the compensation. You have to pay only if there is compensation. If for whatever reason it turns out that you aren’t entitled to flight delay compensation, you will have to pay nothing.
There are no upfront fees.
Learn more about EU flight delay compensation.
- How long does the process take?
Or in other words - when will you receive your Iberia refund?
In most situations it takes around 2-3 months, from the moment you sign the claim until the moment you receive money in your bank account.
- How far back can you claim flight delay compensation?
It depends from country to country.
But in case of most countries, 2-3 years.
Don’t wait, though, and for the best chance of getting the money submit your Iberia claim as soon after the flight delay as possible.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
No, it applies to all passengers flying with Iberia.
To everyone, who has bought a ticket.
Even if the ticket cost only 20 euros.
- What about codeshare flights?
What if you were on a codeshare flight?
What if you bought a ticket from one airline, but the flight was operated by another company? Which company is the one to be held responsible if there are problems with the flight?
Which one is going to pay the compensation?
The one operating the flight.
But that's only true regarding the compensation. If the first flight of your journey is delayed and because of that you have missed your connecting flight, the marketing airline is responsible for booking you into the next available flight for free. If that has happened, contact the airline you booked your flight from.
3.1 How much can you claim?
In most situations it's gonna be either 250, 400 or 600 euro.
Because that’s the rules.
The rules are the same for all airlines operating in Europe, and they are the same for everyone. No matter the age, nationality, airline, price of the ticket or travel insurance. Your under 2 years old can receive full flight compensation, too.
The longer the journey, the bigger the compensation.
4. How to claim Iberia flight cancellation compensation?
Your Iberia flight was cancelled.
If it happened last-minute or you were informed about the cancellation less than 2 weeks before date of departure, you may now be entitled to flight cancellation compensation. And, no, you don’t have to have travel insurance to be entitled to it.
How to claim it? Can you do it yourself?
There are two options:
1. You can do it yourself. Go to the website of Iberia. Find the compensation claim form, fill the form and provide information Iberia is asking you for. Be prepared to search for help, if the airline isn’t approving your claim. If you’ll need legal advice, we are here to help you.
2. Or you can work with us. Register your flight online at refundor.com. We’ll do all the legal actions on your behalf.
We will help you to get your Iberia flight cancellation compensation.
- Go to this page on our website;
- Fill in the details about yourself and your Iberia cancellation;
- Upload your boarding pass and passport copy (a photo taken by your phone is enough);
- Sign the claim online.
And… that’s it.
Because we’ll take it from here.
If it turns out that for whatever reason you aren’t entitled to compensation after all, you will pay nothing. No win, no fees.
And, yes, we take no upfront fees.
If the claim is successful, we’ll take €25 + 25% of the compensation, and transfer you the rest.
Learn more about EU flight cancellation compensation.
- How long does it take?
In most situations it takes around 2-3 months.
That’s from the moment you sign the claim with us and until the moment you receive money in your bank account.
It may take longer sometimes.
But, don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated.
- How far back can you claim flight cancellation compensation?
In case of most countries, 2-3 years.
For the best results, submit your Iberia claim as soon as possible.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
No, it applies to all passengers flying with Iberia.
To everyone, who has bought a ticket.
Even if the plane ticket cost only 10 or 20 euros.
- What about codeshare flights?
What if you were on a codeshare flight?
What if you bought a ticket from one airline, but the flight was operated by another company? Which company is the one to be held responsible if there are problems with the flight?
Which one is going to pay the compensation?
The one operating the flight.
But that's only true regarding the compensation. If the first flight of your journey is delayed and because of that you have missed your connecting flight, the marketing airline is responsible for booking you into the next available flight for free. If that has happened, contact the airline you booked your flight from.
4.1 How much can you claim?
Mostly it’s either 250, 400 or 600 euro.
Rules are the same for all airlines operating in Europe, and they are the same for everyone. No matter the age, nationality, airline, price of the ticket or travel insurance. Your under 2 years old can receive full flight compensation, too.
The longer the journey, the bigger your Iberia cancelled flight compensation
- €250 - if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres (1-2 hour flights);
- €400 - if the distance of the flight is between 1500 - 3500 kilometres (mostly 2-5 hour flights);
- €600 - if the distance is more than 3500 kilometres (mostly 5+ hour flights).
If your flight is cancelled more than 2 weeks before the trip, it doesn't count. You can't get a compensation in these situations. Only a refund or a new flight. Like in most situations your Iberia cancelled flight refund must be paid in cash, not in coupons.
5. Iberia denied boarding compensation
For most part, rules are the same.
If you have been denied boarding, because there are no more free seats on the plane, you are owed a compensation. In most situations the amount of compensation will be either 250, 400 or 600 euro. Per passenger. If you are a family of three travelling together, that means that you may receive a compensation up to 1800 euro (600 euro x 3).
These rules doesn’t apply if you voluntarily give up your seat.
You don't have to be European to be entitled to it.
It applies to all Iberia flights to, from or within Europe.
And, yes, you can get both - a new flight to your destination or full refund and a compensation.
It doesn’t apply if there is an issue with your travel documents. Remember, that mostly, when travelling internationally, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the date of return.
Don't forget to demand your denied boarding compensation.
Learn more about EU denied boarding compensation.
6. Connecting flights with Iberia
As any other full service airline Iberia offers connecting flights.
When you check in for your flight you’ll get a boarding pass for your first flight as well as a boarding pass for your next (connecting) flight.
In most cases your baggage will checked through to your final destination. You’ll have to reclaim and recheck your luggage if you are transferring between airports, or your connecting flight is not on the same day, and the total transfer time exceeds 12 hours.
If you miss your next flight because the first or the previous flight is cancelled or delayed, Iberia will transfer you to the next available flight free of charge. That's one of the biggest differences between most low cost airlines and full service airlines, And the main reason why airline protected connections are a far better choice than self-transfer flights. Convenience-wise, that is. Because price-wise sometimes it makes sense to take a risk and book separate flights.
About Iberia
Iberia is a traditional airline, and the flag carrier airline of Spain. The airline is headquartered in Ciudad Lineal, Madrid, Spain. It has a hub in Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, Madrid.
Founded in 1927, now the airline is a part of Iberia Group. Iberia Regional (operated by Air Nostrum), and Iberia Express, a low-cost airline owned by Iberia, are also parts of Iberia Group.
Iberia is also a member of Oneworld alliance.
In 2010 Iberia and British Airways signed merger agreement, creating the International Airlines Group (IAG), a holding company registered in Madrid. Now it is one of the world’s largest airline groups, and it has several subsidiaries, including Aer Lingus and Vueling.
Iberia is certified with 4-star airline rating, according to Skytrax.
As of May 2019, the airline's fleet consists of 87 Airbus aircrafts.
Iberia destinations
Iberia flies to 91 destinations across Europe, Asia, Americas and Africa.
A
Algeria (Algiers, Oran), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Austria (Vienna),
B
Belgium (Brussels), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo),
C
Chile (Santiago), China (Shanghai), Colombia (Bogota, Medellín), Costa Rica (San José), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb), Cuba (Havana), Chezh Republic (Prague),
D
Denmark (Copenhagen), Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo),
E
Ecuador (Quito), El Salvador (San Salvador),
F
France (Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris),
G
Germany (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich), Greece (Athens), Guatemala (Guatemala City),
H
Hungary (Budapest),
I
Iceland (Reykjavík), Ireland (Dublin), Israel (Tel-Aviv), Italy (Bologna, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Olbia, Rome, Venice),
J
Japan (Tokyo),
M
Mexico (Mexico City), Morocco (Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier),
N
Netherlands (Amsterdam), Norway (Bergen, Oslo),
P
Panama (Panama City), Peru (Lima), Portugal (Funchal, Lisbon, Porto), Puerto Rico (San Juan),
R
Russia (Moscow, Saint Petersburg),
S
Senegal (Dakar), Spain (A Coruña, Asturias, Barcelona, Bilbao, Granada, Jerez de la Frontera, Las Palmas, Madrid, Murcia, Palma de Mallorca, San Sebastián, Santander, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo), Sweden (Stockholm), Switzerland (Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Geneva, Zürich),
U
United Kingdom (Birmingham, London, Manchester), United States (Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco), Uruguay (Montevideo),
V
Venezuela (Caracas).
For up to date information visit iberia.com.
Iberia baggage allowance
Cabin luggage
Each passenger is entitled to one carry on bag and one personal item. Business Plus class passengers travelling long haul are entitled to two carry on bags plus one personal item.
Dimensions of your carry on must not exceed 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including the handle and wheels).
If there is not enough room on the plane (busy flight), some carry on bags may be removed and stored in the hold at no extra cost.
Your personal item can be one of the following: a handbag, a briefcase, a laptop bag, or a small portfolio.
Dimensions of the personal item must not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 cm, and it must fit under the seat in front of you.
Hold luggage
The number of check in bags a passenger can take free of charge depends on origin, destination, and class.
The number of bags you are allowed to check in free of charge is shown on the ticket. Or you can check it here.
Each piece of luggage must meet the following regulations:
- A total of height + length + width of each bag must not exceed 158 cm;
- A weight of each bag must not exceed 23 kg.
Hold luggage will be sent right through to your destination if the booking reference is the same (connecting flight). However, you must recheck your baggage if you are transferring between airports. Also you will need to recheck the baggage if your connecting flight is not on the same day, and the total transfer time exceeds 12 hours.
If a passenger has a connecting flight provided by another airline, they must check the baggage rules set by this second airline. The rules might be different from those of Iberia. The same applies for cabin luggage.
Learn more: iberia.com/es/baggage.
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 flight with Iberia 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!