Smartlynx: Compensation for delayed flight, cancellation, denied boarding
How to claim Smartlynx compensation online?
Smartlynx Airlines is a European charter and cargo carrier based in Riga, Latvia. However, when it comes to leisure travel, the airline is better known as a charter airline used by travel agencies to take people on package holidays. Despite the fact that it’s a charger airline, it still has the same obligations like any other airline operating in Europe. Was your Smartlynx flight delayed? Or cancelled? You might be owed a compensation.
How to claim Smartlynx flight delay compensation?
How to claim Smartlynx flight cancellation compensation?
Check your compensation online!
Or continue reading to learn more about your rights.
Here are 5 main topics that we will focus on:
1. How to claim Smartlynx flight delay compensation?
2. How to claim Smartlynx flight cancellation compensation?
3. How to claim Smartlynx denied boarding compensation?
4. What to do if your flight is delayed?
5. What to do if your flight is cancelled?
UK / EU air passenger rights
Air passenger rights are almost identical in the EU, EEA and UK.
That's why we may refer to them simply as European air passenger rights, and use terms like European flight compensation and European flight compensation regulation. We may also use a word "Europe" to refer to this whole region, where the flight compensation regulations EC 261/2004 and UK261 are in effect.
- With European airlines these rules apply to all flights to and from Europe
- With non-European airlines - flights departing from Europe
1. Smartlynx compensation: How to claim Smartlynx flight delay compensation?
There are two conditions that should be met.
Conditions:
- It must be fault of Smartlynx
- Delay must be 3+ hours
If this is what happened with your flight, you may have a right to EU flight delay compensation. If you file a claim for compensation, you may receive up to 600 euro per passenger. There are two options how to claim Smartlynx compensation for flight delay.
1. You can do it all on your own.
This may be hard. This may be time-consuming. But it is for free.
Claiming compensation on your own is the cheapest option. First, contact the airline and make a claim for compensation. Refer to the Regulation EC 261/2004, or it’s a UK flight — Regulation UK261. And to be better prepared for the likely refusals, see this list of tactics airlines use when they try to avoid paying passengers flight compensation.
Contact us for legal help with Smartlynx claims.
2. You can hand the case over to us.
This is the easiest of the options that you have.
You click on the link / button below, and make a claim. This way giving to us all the information we may need to start a claim against the airline. Maximum 5 minutes of your time, and the rest is done by legal professionals. This is what we call the shortcut. You fill in one form, and we become your legal representatives.
In this case, everything is handled by professionals.
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 is all from you. We will do the rest.
Learn more about EU flight delay compensation.
- How long does it take?
In Europe, flight compensation claims take around 3 months.
The average is between 2 to 3 months. That includes those claims that are finished sooner than 2-3 months, and also those that take 3, 4, 5, 6 months. Claims that take the longest are the ones, where it is necessary to take the case to court.
- How far back can you claim flight delay compensation?
In Europe, the average is around 3 years.
You can get compensation for flights that are up to 3 years old. But, let’s not forget, that this number depends on the local laws of the country your flight is from. So, sometimes it is less than 3 years. Hand the case over to us, and we will do the checking for you. If you can’t get compensation because the claim is too old, you won’t pay anything.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
No, these rules we are talking about apply to everyone.
You don't have to be European to have these rights.
In Europe, all air passengers are equally protected by law.
- How much can you claim?
The longer the flight, the more you can claim for delay.
Mostly the amounts are between 250 to 600 euro per passenger.
These amounts are the same for all passengers travelling on the same flight. No matter the nationality, airline you are flying with, price of the ticket or travel insurance. In the EU and UK, even infants can receive full flight compensation.
2. Smartlynx compensation: How to claim Smartlynx flight cancellation compensation?
There are two conditions that should be met.
Conditions:
- It must be fault of Smartlynx
- It must be a last-minute flight cancellation
If a flight is cancelled not more than 14 days before the planned date of departure, then it’s considered a last-minute cancellation, and you have a right to EU flight cancellation compensation. There are two options how to claim Smartlynx compensation for cancellation.
1. You can do it all on your own.
This may be hard. This may be time-consuming. But it is for free.
First, call or email Smartlynx, and tell them about the problematic flight. Tell them you would like to receive flight compensation they likely owe you. Since the airline is from the EU, you have the same rights both on their flights departing from and also arriving to Europe, and they know that.
Contact us for legal help with Smartlynx claims.
2. You can hand the case over to us.
The easiest option? This is the easiest option you have.
Just fill in our Smartlynx claim form below, and we’ll do the job.
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.
We will do the rest.
Learn more about EU flight cancellation compensation.
- How long does it take?
As already mentioned, the average in Europe is around 3 months.
In some cases less than that, in some — more than 3 months. Cases that take the longest time to be solved are the ones, where it is necessary to take the claim to court. If you’re working with us, we do this task on your behalf — prepare all the documents and go to court.
- How far back can you claim flight cancellation compensation?
The average in Europe is around 3 years.
You can get cancellation compensation for flights that are up to 3 years old. But, let’s not forget, that this number depends on the local laws of the country your flight is from. This is how it works with UK/EU flight compensation claims. So, sometimes it’s less than 3 years. Because in some countries you can claim only up to 2 years after the flight cancellation.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
No, these rules and regulations apply to everyone.
All passengers on the same flight have the same rights.
- How much can you claim?
The amounts are regulated by the above mentioned regulations.
Here is how much you can claim for your flight:
- €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.
These amounts are per passenger.
They are the same for all passengers.
3. How to claim Smartlynx denied boarding compensation?
You may get denied boarding even if you have a valid ticket.
It may happen if the airline has sold too many tickets. Whenever you are denied boarding against your will, you have a right to EU denied boarding compensation.
With Smartlynx it applies to all their flights to and from Europe.
Compensation amounts are fixed — 250, 400 or 600 euro.
In these situations, mostly you can get both:
- new flight to destination or refund
- denied boarding compensation
It applies only to overbooking. If there are problems with your travel documents or visa, or your passport expires soon, you can’t get denied boarding compensation. You also won’t be entitled to denied boarding compensation if you voluntarily give up your seat, and agree to fly later.
Check your compensation online!
Learn more about EU denied boarding compensation.
3.1 Why does overbooking happen?
Overbooking happens when an airline or other transportation company sells more tickets than there are seats available, with the expectation that not all passengers will show up. This practice allows companies to maximize their revenue while still offering lower fares. However, it can also lead to overbooked flights and disappointed travellers who end up without a seat.
This is a common practice in air travel business.
So, one day, you may be denied boarding, too.
3.2 Voluntary vs involuntary denied boarding
What’s the difference between voluntary and involuntary denied boarding?
There are situations when you aren’t given any choice. This type of refusal from boarding due to overbooking is known as "involuntary denied boarding." If all your travel documents are in order and there was no fault on behalf of yourself for the denial, then likely you will receive monetary compensation.
Our experience shows that there is a 99% chance you will be eligible for compensation when denied boarding due to overbooking.
You may also decide to volunteer and fly later.
Sometimes people volunteer. Because sometimes it makes a lot of sense. Some airlines offer some really great perks for those who agree to take a later flight or not fly at all. This is called "voluntary denied boarding" (if you decide to volunteer). In this case, you won’t be entitled to denied boarding compensation from Smartlynx.
4. What to do if your flight is DELAYED?
Your flight is delayed. What should you do?
If you find yourself in this situation, here are some helpful tips on how you can make the most out of it and get back onto your original schedule quickly. From understanding what rights you have during a delay to taking advantage of compensation where available — we will discuss all that and more so that you're prepared for anything!
4.1 If you are still at home
Are you still at home or hotel?
If check in is going to be delayed, wait for a while.
If check in isn't delayed, go to the airport as normally.
Do you have another flight you may miss?
Most likely you don’t. Smartlynx operates direct flights only.
Or, if you have another flight, then it’s a self-transfer flight. Because you booked it separately, as a separate flight. Or someone booked it for you. Anyway, a flight like this is considered a self transfer, not connecting flight.
Hence, if you make it or not, this is your responsibility.
You won’t get a new flight if you miss it due to Smartlynx delay.
4.2 If you are already at the airport
You have already arrived at the airport.
If check in hasn’t started, for now just wait.
Because your flight may also not happen at all, it may get cancelled. This is even worse, of course, but it’s also a possibility. So, for now, just wait until airline opens the check in desk.
If check in has started, that’s a good sign.
That’s a very good sign. Your flight is going to happen. Most likely.
You can check in and proceed through airport security.
- 3 hour flight delay
Smartlynx is a European airline.
And that means you are protected by the EU.
The same rules apply both to flights with traditional and charter airlines. Will you need to wait at the airport more than planned? If yes, then you may have a right to care from Smartlynx. After 3 hours of waiting, Smartlynx has to provide you with some sort of assistance, mostly it will be two free phone calls or e-mails (or internet access) and also a free meal and drink.
This applies to all Smartlynx flights to and from Europe.
All thanks to Regulation EC 261/2004.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
If the delay is longer, you may also get a hotel room.
Smartlynx has to offer you free hotel room and free transfer.
Everyone has the right to this type of care.
4.3 If it is the fault of Smartlynx
It includes things like technical problems and staff shortage.
You may also be entitled to EU flight delay compensation.
Have you experienced a flight delay?
If you have — file a compensation claim.
4.4 Why do flights get delayed?
Here are some of the top reasons why flights get delayed.
5. What to do if your flight is CANCELLED?
Your flight is cancelled. What should you do?
Are you eligible for a new flight? Will the cost be covered by Smartlynx? Under what conditions can you request remuneration from them?
5.1 If you are still at home
You need to find out what’s happening next.
Contact Smartlynx, if they haven’t yet contacted you.
Be prepared to make a choice between a new flight and full refund. This is what the European airlines are obliged to offer, when they cancel a flight. This means you have a right to request a full refund to bank account, if you don’t want to take an alternative flight offered by Smartlynx.
If it’s fault of the airline, you may have a right to compensation.
Scroll back to learn more about compensation.
5.2 If you are already at the airport
Don’t go through the airport security.
Most people don’t realize this, but if a flight is cancelled, a ticket isn’t valid anymore. You can’t use the same boarding pass anymore. You have to get a new one. But first, you have to find out when is that new flight even happening. Here we are talking about an alternative flight that the airline has to offer. Contact Smartlynx, and see what they are offering.
Ask for a refund to bank, if you don’t want to take another flight.
- 3 hour flight delay
Smartlynx is an airline registered in the EU.
And that means you are protected by the EU.
If you have to wait at the airport, due to delay, cancellation or denied boarding, and it is going to be longer than planned, you have a right to care. You have a right to certain services. The airline has to provide them for free. After 3 hours, you can expect to get two free phone calls or e-mails (or internet access) and also a free meal and drink.
Cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances?
This applies to all Smartlynx flight cancellations.
All thanks to European flight compensation regulations.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
In this case, you have a right to free accommodation.
Every passenger has the right to receive complimentary hotel accommodation.
However, each case is assessed on a situational basis and the airline may choose not to supply such services if it takes too much time. For instance, if the total delay is six hours (waiting time until the new flight), and it would roughly take two or three hours just to get everyone to a hotel. Because it just doesn’t make sense, as people would have to be rushed back to the airport right after their arrival to the hotel.
5.3 If it is the fault of Smartlynx
That includes things like technical problems and bad planning.
If that causes a cancellation, it is considered fault of the airline.
And you may also be entitled to EU flight cancellation compensation.
Have you experienced a flight cancellation?
If you have — file a compensation claim.
5.4 Why do flights get cancelled?
Here are some of the top reasons why flights get cancelled.
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 Smartlynx 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!