Travelling with a group or family can be stressful, especially when your flight is cancelled or delayed.
If you’ve been travelling as a family or group and experienced flight disruptions, keep reading to learn everything you need about the compensation claim process for families and groups.
General Compensation Guidelines
Specifics for Families and Groups: What Sets Them Apart
Families typically consist of fewer people than groups and usually include children as well. Family tickets are purchased in the same way as individual tickets. For families, compensation with Finnair is the same as it is for individuals.
Groups can take many different forms, for example, vacation groups or sports clubs. The airline also has separate guidelines for groups. Group bookings can be made for groups of 10 or more people and sometimes come at a slightly higher cost, but offer more flexibility.
The Finnair compensation process for groups is the same as it is for individuals, and airlines deal with compensation on a per-passenger basis.
Eligibility Criteria for Compensation
For passengers to be eligible for cancellation, delay or Finnair overbooking compensation, the flight disruption must meet several criteria:
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- The flight must be cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice.
- Arrival time must be delayed by more than 3 hours.
- The flight must be cancelled due to reasons within the airline’s control.
Types of Compensation Available
Financial Reimbursements: What Can You Expect?
For cancelled or delayed Finnair flights, several types of reimbursement are available.
First, the airline must provide an alternate flight or reimburse your ticket costs. The airline is also obligated under EC261/2004 to provide care for passengers, which includes meals, accommodation and transportation.
Finnair EU compensation amounts vary depending on flight distance and delay time:
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- €250 for flights 1,500 km or less
- €400 for flights of more than 1,500 within the EU
- €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km outside of the EU
- €600 for flights longer than 3,500 km
Additional Support Services During Delays
For delays of more than two hours, airlines must provide passengers with meals and refreshments. In addition, passengers can speak with airline staff to find re-routing options.
Upgrades and Vouchers: Special Perks for Families and Groups
Airlines want to keep customers satisfied, even during delays and sometimes offer upgrades and vouchers. While it’s not guaranteed, if you’re travelling with a family or group, ask the airline for any upgrades and perks.
In some situations, the airline might provide an upgrade to a higher class or vouchers for future travel. Group bookings typically come with more flexibility, so an airline may be more willing to offer extra upgrades or vouchers to groups.
It’s also important to keep in mind that for families, children are entitled to the same compensation amounts as adults.
How to File a Claim with Finnair
Step-by-Step Guide for Families and Groups
Each individual must claim Finnair compensation, rather than claiming it as a group. However, the claim process for families or groups is relatively straightforward and is as follows:
- 1. Collect receipts for expenses incurred due to cancellations or delays.
- 2. Gather relevant documents such as boarding passes, ticket receipts and written airline statements.
- 3. Submit your claim through the online Finnair compensation form.
- 4. Wait for a response regarding your Finnair flight compensation.
If a travel agency made your group bookings, the agency can also deal with the compensation process on your behalf.
Required Documents and Information
To receive fair Finnair claim compensation, it’s important to include all required information, such as:
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- Personal details
- Flight information
- Boarding pass
- Ticket receipts
- Written statements by the airline
- Expense receipts
Tips for a Smooth Claims Process
- Remain calm when dealing with airline staff.
- Clarify any questions you have at the airport, as it’s easier to deal with airline staff in person rather than through phone or email.
- Submit as much supporting documentation as possible
- Explain why you believe you are entitled to compensation per EC261/2004.
- Hire Skycop to manage the claim compensation process on your behalf.
In conclusion
Filing for group or family compensation for Finnair flights can seem intimidating, but the process is relatively simple. Each person belonging to a family or group must file for compensation individually, following the same claims process as individual passengers.
Groups may be entitled to extra perks or upgrades, as group bookings typically offer more flexibility. Whether you’re part of a family or group, it’s important to remain calm and follow these tips to make for a smooth compensation process.
14 DAYS MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
