Flight Compensation for Delays Due to a Technical Fault

If your flight was delayed or canceled due to technical problems, don’t let the inconvenience go unaddressed! You may be entitled to receive flight compensation of up to €600 per passenger, so take action now.

You’ve done the planning, packing, and checking in, eagerly waiting for the moment to reach your final destination. That is until it hit you, the dreaded flight delay.

The annoyance of flight delays can be made worse when the cause is a technical issue with your airplane.
First thing first, if you arrive late to your final destination, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

We know that dealing with the airlines can be a headache and that’s why we’re here to guide you through and understand what EU law covers for technical issues.

Read on for our step-by-step guide on what to do in such cases.

What to Do When Your Flight is Delayed Due to a Technical Fault

Dealing with a flight delay due to a technical problem can be incredibly frustrating for air travelers. But the good news is that the European Union has regulations in place that require commercial airlines to compensate passengers for their inconvenience.

The process of claiming flight delay compensation due to a technical issue can be lengthy and complex, but it is doable. Here are a few tips that can help make the process smoother:

• Check the flight delay compensation rules in the country where you’re departing from or arriving.
• Collect evidence such as boarding passes, and receipts of any expenses incurred because of the delay or cancellation.
• Contact the airline’s customer service or file an online claim for the dreaded situation, referencing EU law.
• Keep records of your correspondence with the airlines and all documents related to your case.
• Make sure you’re aware of deadlines and other applicable requirements for filing a complaint against an airline in your jurisdiction.
• Consider seeking help from a flight delay claim company if necessary.

Right to Compensation for Flight Delays or Cancellations Due to Technical Problems

According to Regulation (EC) 261/2004, passengers have explicit rights to compensation when their flight experiences delays or cancellations attributable to technical malfunctions.

To decipher if you’re eligible for compensation under EU law EC 261, consider the following prerequisites:

1. Your flight must have encountered a delay exceeding 3 hours upon arrival at its intended destination.
2. You must have departed from an airport in the EU or arrived in the EU with an EU-regulated airline.
3. Flight disruption should have been caused due to the airline’s fault and not due to extraordinary circumstances, which are beyond the control of the airlines.

Notably, technical issues, in most cases, aren’t categorized as extraordinary events. Therefore, meeting the aforementioned conditions paves the way for valid compensation claims.

What Kinds of Technical Issues are Eligible for Compensation?

A technical defect covers instances when an aircraft has a mechanical failure, interruption of systems, or an issue that compromises the safety of passengers or crew.

Here are some examples:

• Malfunctioning aircraft engines: Engine trouble poses flight risks, from power loss to emergency landings.
• Electrical problems: In-flight electrical failures disrupt systems like navigation and communication.
• Mechanical issues like damaged control systems: Control system damage compromises flight safety and control.
• Instrument failure like faulty navigation equipment: Flawed navigation gear can lead to navigation errors mid-flight.
• Failed air conditioning system: Inadequate cabin climate control affects passenger comfort and safety.
• Broken landing gear: Landing gear malfunctions impact safe takeoffs and landings.
• Fuel leaks: Fuel leakage poses risks like engine failure and fire hazards in flight.

No matter the case, if a technical fault was the cause of your flight disruption, you could be entitled to compensation. That’s why it pays to be informed of your rights.

Are The Technical Problems Considered Extraordinary Circumstances?

You might be wondering, can technical issues be considered extraordinary circumstances? The simple answer is NO. Usually, airlines will try to get away with blaming the delay or cancellation on a technical fault and claiming that it allows them to avoid paying compensation.

However, they must prove that they took preventive measures to keep their aircraft safe and operational. If they can’t do that, then you are fully entitled to compensation under the EU Air Passenger Rights.

Just remember that for you to qualify for compensation, the disruption should have:

1. Lasted more than 3 hours on arrivals for flights of up to 1,500 km and between 1,500 km to 3,500 km; or
2. Lasted more than 4 hours on arrivals for flights of 3,500 km or more

If your flight was delayed or canceled due to a technical issue and your flight meets the above criteria, then you should definitely contact the airline or a claim company that can help you with your flight claim and make sure your rights are respected.

Tips When Making a Claim for Flight Delay Compensation Due to a Technical Fault

Dealing with a flight delay due to a technical fault can be incredibly frustrating for travelers.

Depending on the length of your delay, you may be eligible for compensation ranging between €250 and €600 per passenger.

While a flight delay due to a technical defect can seem stressful, there are steps you can take to protect your rights:

• Check Compensation Rules: What the flight delay compensation rules are in the country where you’re departing from, or arriving to
• Contact the airline: You’ll be able to find out if they have any compensation available and what actions they have taken or plan to take in order to make up for the delay.
• Ask for written proof: The reason for the delay (this can include a written statement from the airline). This will be useful if you decide to seek compensation later on.
• Keep all important documents safe: Your boarding pass, ticket stubs, and any other evidence. You’ll need these if you decide to pursue legal action or make an official complaint against the airline.
• Legal action: Consider seeking legal help if necessary.

By following these steps, you can protect your rights as an air passenger and potentially receive compensation quickly and easily.

How Long do I have to Claim Compensation according to EC 261/2004?

You’re probably wondering how long you have to file for compensation after encountering a flight delay due to a technical fault. It varies from country to country, in Germany the time period is three years.

But here’s the thing—even though you technically have three years to file for your claim, it’s important to act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for you to get satisfactory results—not only because evidence may be harder to collect down the line, but also because airlines tend to become more resistant with time when they face claims.

What Will Happen After You Submit a Claim at ClaimFlights?

Once you’ve submitted your claim, you can sit back and relax and ClaimFlights will take it from there. The process of getting compensation for a technical fault flight delay is as follows:

1. ClaimFlights team reviews each claim carefully to make sure that your airline is liable for the flight disruption under EU Regulation 261/2004.
2. ClaimFlights then submitted the dispute against the airline, detailing what happened on the day of the incident and why it was their responsibility.
3. The airline then has 60 days to respond to its dispute, either by sending a rejection letter or (hopefully) agreeing to compensation.
4. If they agree to compensation, ClaimFlights after deducting their success fees, transfer the amount directly into your bank account within a few days from when they received it from the airline.
5. If they reject it, ClaimFlights legal team will review their response and decide whether they should proceed with legal action against them in court.
6. Finally, if the case goes to court and they rule in favor of you – ClaimFlights email you with further instructions on how to receive your compensation award quickly and without stress!

No matter what happens, ClaimFlights is there to ensure that every step along that journey is as smooth as possible – so you don’t have anything to worry about!