How to claim SAS compensation?
How to claim flight delay compensation?
If you need to claim compensation from SAS, the process will differ depending on the circumstances. In some instances, you may have multiple options and can handle the claim on your own or delegate it to someone who can do it more efficiently. However, in other instances, your only choice is to manage the claim yourself. It is also critical to distinguish between compensation and refund, as these are not interchangeable. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for compensation, a refund, or both.
How to Claim SAS Compensation?
The process for claiming compensation from SAS will vary based on the type of compensation you are owed. Below are some of the most common scenarios.
1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: SAS
Don’t forget that when it comes to compensation, for example, technical problem with an aircraft and SAS staff strikes are considered airline’s fault, not something extraordinary.
1.1 Long Flight Delay
Conditions for receiving SAS delayed flight compensation:
- Delay must be at least 3 hours long (at the time of arrival);
- Delay must be due to the fault of SAS;
- Flight must be depart from or arrive in Europe.
You can contact SAS customer support center through their website and submit a compensation claim form for your issue. Make sure to be persistent and refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 while doing so.
Or file a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.
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.
Read more:
1.2 Flight Cancellation
To get compensation from SAS, your flight must meet these criteria:
- Last-minute cancellation (up to 14 days before the flight);
- It’s the fault of SAS, not something unavoidable;
- Flight is to / from Europe.
Contact SAS customer support center via their website to make a claim.
Refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Or file a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.
Read more: SAS Flight Cancellation Compensation
1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking
If your flight meets the following criteria, you can get compensation:
- You are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking;
- It is due to the fault of SAS, not problems with your passport, visa, etc.;
- Flight is departing from or arriving in Europe.
How to claim compensation?
Contact SAS customer support center via their website.
Refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Or file a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.
Read more: SAS Denied Boarding Compensation
1.4 Missed Connection Flight
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of your initial flight and reach your destination 3 hours later than originally planned, you may be eligible for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. However, this only applies if the
- Delay is SAS’s fault, rather than an extraordinary circumstance;
- The flight is to/from Europe.
To pursue compensation from SAS, visit their website and contact their customer support center, referencing Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Or file a claim with our partners.
Read more: SAS Missed Connection Compensation
1.5 Downgrading
In case you get downgraded involuntarily, the airline should compensate you.
The exact amount of compensation you can receive depends on the distance of your flight and ranges from 30 to 75% of the ticket cost. The airline must pay you this compensation immediately.
If they don’t, you should contact SAS and file a claim. You are not required to accept any SAS vouchers or coupons. If you encounter any problems, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Read more: SAS Flight Downgrade Compensation
2. Baggage Compensation
When it comes to baggage, you have two options.
You can either have your insurance company handle it or file a claim through SAS’s website. Flight compensation companies typically do not handle these types of claims.
2.1 Damaged Baggage
If your bag is damaged, here’s what you can do.
Step by step:
- File a damage report at the airport within 7 days of receiving your bag;
- Provide necessary information;
- Get compensation of up to €1300.
Read more: SAS Damaged Baggage Compensation
2.2 Delayed Baggage
If your bag is delayed, follow this step by step guide:
- Report the loss of your baggage at the airport (at a baggage service office);
- Get the Property Irregularity Report or PIR with a personal reference number;
- Track your bag’s status online, using the World Tracer tool and your reference number;
- Get reimbursement for your expenses (essential items you have had to purchase as a result of this delay).
Read more: SAS Delayed Baggage Compensation
2.3 Lost Baggage
In some cases, your bag may not arrive.
If this happens, here’s what you should do:
- Report the loss of your baggage at the airport;
- Get the Property Irregularity Report with a personal reference number;
- Track your bag’s status online, using the World Tracer tool and your reference number;
- After 21 day provide a list of things you had in your bag, to receive compensation of up to €1300;
- In addition to compensation, file a claim for any additional expenses.
Read more: SAS Lost Baggage Compensation
3. SAS Refund For Cancellation
If SAS cancels your flight, you have the option to receive a refund.
This means that you can get the money you paid for the flight back. However, in some cases, you may only receive a refund while in other cases, you may also be eligible for compensation. To claim your refund or compensation, be sure to contact SAS. That’s the most important step. Make your claim. Follow up after a couple of weeks if necessary.
You can read more about this process in the articles linked below.
Read more:
3.1 What Happens If You Cancel a SAS Flight?
Cancelling a SAS flight involves a straightforward process.
You begin by cancelling your booking; this can be accomplished online through the SAS website or by contacting their customer service. After cancellation, a refund request must be lodged. Your refund amount will primarily be determined by your ticket fare’s conditions.
Be aware that not all tickets are refundable. If your purchased ticket is non-refundable, you may not be able to get a refund, or significant cancellation fees might be imposed. It’s vital to scrutinize and comprehend the fare rules before purchasing any ticket.
It’s also crucial to understand that while you might be eligible for a refund, you will not receive compensation for cancelling your own flight. Compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 only applies when the airline cancels the flight, not when the passenger decides to cancel.
Therefore, although you might get a refund for your ticket based on fare conditions, you cannot receive compensation for flights that you cancelled.
Do Not Accept SAS Vouchers
When you are entitled to European flight compensation or a refund from SAS, it’s essential to remember that you are not required to accept SAS vouchers as a form of compensation. You have the right to demand a cash refund instead.
Always refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and make it clear that you do not want to accept vouchers as compensation when dealing with SAS customer service. If the customer service agent does not offer a cash refund, request to speak with a supervisor or manager.
Yes, yes, yes – you are entitled to receive your compensation or refund from SAS without having to accept vouchers as payment.
Claiming SAS Flight Compensation On Your Own
If you want to claim SAS flight compensation on your own, it’s crucial to be persistent and know your rights. Airlines often try to avoid paying compensation by exaggerating issues or claiming technical problems as extraordinary circumstances (which is not true – technical problems are not extraordinary circumstances). Many try to offer coupons instead of compensation.
This is not unique to SAS, as many airlines worldwide use these tactics.
In summary, to independently claim SAS flight compensation:
- Determine if you are entitled to compensation. Use EC Regulation No. 261/2004 as a reference to assess if your situation qualifies for flight compensation or a refund.
- Keep all relevant documents. This includes boarding passes, tickets, receipts, and any other evidence of your flight and its associated costs.
- Contact SAS. Submit your claim directly to SAS’s customer service. You can do this via email, phone, or their website.
- Stay determined. If your initial response is unsatisfactory, don’t back down. Keep communicating with the airline and reassert your right to compensation.
- Refuse vouchers. Remember, you have a right to monetary compensation. Don’t accept vouchers if offered.
- Escalate if necessary. If the airline dismisses your compensation claim, consider taking your case to a National Enforcement Body or filing a legal case.
By adhering to these steps, you can independently claim SAS compensation. However, remember that this process can be complex, and expert help is readily available if needed.
Court Action – SAS
Taking court action against SAS may be necessary in certain cases.
If your claim with SAS is rejected, you can escalate it to NEB. This approach can be advantageous, as it might avoid the need for court altogether. Although the compensation result may remain unchanged (airline may still not pay), a favorable NEB decision could significantly strengthen your position in court and increase your chances of a positive outcome.
What is your experience with SAS compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from SAS? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.
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