SmartLynx strike compensation.
Is it possible for you to claim? How much might you be eligible for? What regulations apply?
Many travellers are unaware that strikes are not always considered extraordinary circumstances. If the aircrew of SmartLynx (not the airport staff) goes on strike, resulting in flight delays or flight cancellations, passengers may be eligible to claim flight compensation from SmartLynx. In addition, passengers have the right to care. This applies to all flights and passengers affected by a SmartLynx staff strike.
You can claim this compensation yourself or engage a flight compensation company.
1. SmartLynx Strike Compensation
Receiving SmartLynx strike compensation is straightforward, provided certain criteria are met.
The flight should be either delayed or cancelled in its entirety:
- The flight delay needs to be at least 3 hours, determined from the instance the aircraft doors are opened at the destination, enabling passengers to exit. If the delay surpasses 3 hours past the intended arrival time, passengers may be eligible for flight delay compensation.
- Last-minute flight cancellations also qualify for compensation. This covers all SmartLynx flights cancelled within a 14-day period preceding the departure date. In all these scenarios, passengers may be entitled to SmartLynx flight cancellation compensation (not just a SmartLynx refund for cancellation).
In essence, this isn’t specific compensation for SmartLynx strikes, but rather a compensation for flight delays or cancellations.
These rules apply to all SmartLynx flights to, from, and within Europe.
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.
1.1 Extraordinary Circumstances
Bear in mind that airline staff strikes aren’t classified as extraordinary circumstances.
Similarly, technical issues and lack of personnel aren’t considered extraordinary circumstances.
There may be instances where airlines may justify a delay or cancellation as an extraordinary circumstance even when it isn’t. In such cases, we recommend reaching out to the airline for a clear explanation. Or work with a flight compensation company just to make sure you are not misinformed.
Airlines may claim that a flight delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, even if it wasn’t, to avoid paying compensation. This tactic is employed because, in cases of genuine extraordinary circumstances, airlines are not obligated to provide compensation.
Read more:
- Your SmartLynx Refund Is Taking Forever. What To Do?
- Your SmartLynx Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
1.2 Right to Care
If you are facing flight delay or cancellation, you have a right to care.
This gives you access to some free services. For example, if your airport wait is longer than three hours, you might get a free meal and drink. Additionally, if the delay extends past three hours into the night, you may also be entitled to free accommodation and airport transfers.
SmartLynx has to provide these services to passengers based on their waiting time. If you haven’t received any assistance, we recommend contacting the SmartLynx representatives at the airport.
2. How to Claim SmartLynx Strike Compensation?
How can you claim SmartLynx strike compensation?
There exist two main methods to claim EU flight compensation.
To claim compensation for a SmartLynx strike yourself, directly reaching out to SmartLynx via their website and appealing for compensation through their customer service team is one way. Please note that this procedure may take several months and could involve negotiation to reach a satisfactory resolution.
An alternative, and often simpler, approach is — legal assistance.
If you would rather sidestep any potential headaches, you can seek legal advice to handle your case. Certain companies in Europe are experts in flight-related compensation and can manage all aspects on your behalf. All you need to do is complete one form, the compensation claim form. Such services are what our partners provide.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Read more: How to Claim SmartLynx Compensation?
2.1 How Long Does It Take?
What might be the anticipated duration for getting compensation?
The procedure usually lasts for at least 2-3 months. Lately, it has become more common for the procedure to take longer, especially if you file a claim on your own and the airline chooses to ignore it.
Remember, this isn’t a quick process, so expect some waiting time.
3. How Much Can You Claim?
How much is SmartLynx strike compensation?
The compensation sums are predetermined and span from €250 to €600.
These sums are determined by the regulations set forth by the EU.
Here is how you can calculate the amount of your SmartLynx compensation:
When your destination is within the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
When your destination is outside the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
€600
If the distance of your flight is more than 3,500 km
3.1 SmartLynx Voucher Refund or Cash?
A number of airlines, including SmartLynx, offer vouchers instead of monetary compensation.
This is a common practice among airlines as it is more cost-effective for them compared to offering cash or bank transfer. However, you reserve the right to refuse the SmartLynx voucher and demand a cash or bank transfer refund instead. Airlines must provide compensation and reimbursements in the form of cash or bank transfers. It is important to insist on this method of payment, as it is required by law in the EU.
SmartLynx Strike Compensation: FAQ
My flight ticket was cheap. Will it lower the chances of getting compensation?
No.
Because the price of the ticket doesn’t matter.
The cheap price of your ticket also doesn’t affect the compensation amount you are getting.
Do I need to have travel insurance in order to claim compensation?
No, you don’t.
You can claim compensation even if you don’t have insurance. According to Regulation EC 261/2004, as long as it’s a delay of at least 3 hours, and it’s due to the fault of the airline, you might be entitled to compensation.
It doesn’t matter if you have insurance or not.
Can my kid get compensation from SmartLynx?
Yes.
The age of the passenger doesn’t matter. If you are entitled to compensation of 600 euro, your child/baby will be too. Even infants who have a special infant ticket can get compensation.
Can I claim compensation for another person?
Can you claim compensation for a friend, relative, family member?
Yes, you can. Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
Ask them to provide their passport copy and boarding pass. Also they will need to sign a couple of documents. The rest you can easily do yourself.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
But in many European countries you can claim compensation even for old flights. If your disrupted flight was 2-3 years ago, you might still be able to claim compensation for it. However, we would recommend you to make a claim as soon as you return from your trip.
What to do if SmartLynx is refusing to pay compensation?
SmartLynx is refusing to pay compensation even though you are entitled to it.
What to do in such a situation? Can you still proceed? Yes. There are two options how you can continue. The best way is to hand over your case to a flight compensation company. The company will finish the process and claim compensation on your behalf.
Alternatively, you may contact the respective national enforcement body and ask them to help solve your case. There are national enforcement bodies in all the EU Member states.
EU – Non-EU Flights, Regulation UK261, Tourists
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If you’re flying with SmartLynx, then you can.
If your SmartLynx flight departing from a country outside the EU is eligible to compensation, you can get it. According to the EU Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004, you are protected on all SmartLynx flights.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get compensation?
If it’s a SmartLynx flight, then you can.
I am not a European. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
In Europe, all passengers are protected. Both tourists from overseas and Europeans alike.
Other Situations
SmartLynx booked me on a new flight and provided me with a free hotel room. Can I still get compensated?
Yes.
If your flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it, even if you accepted care and a new flight from the airline.
SmartLynx took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
You might.
If your flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it even if you accepted a new flight.
If you arrived at least 3 hours later than scheduled, and the delay was due to the fault of the airline, you are entitled to compensation (up to €600 per passenger). Also you are entitled to care from the airline, and, if necessary (in case of cancellation or denied boarding), a new flight, too.
Have you ever had an experience with SmartLynx strike compensation or refund? Did SmartLynx pay the compensation in timely manner? Do you still have questions about SmartLynx compensation policies? Ask in the comments.