How to claim LOT compensation?
How to claim flight delay compensation?
Depending on your situation, there may be different ways to handle the compensation claim. You could take care of it yourself, or use a third-party service for more efficient processing. In some cases, claiming compensation by yourself may be the only option. Keep in mind that compensation and refund are not the same thing, so it’s important to understand which one you’re eligible for – it could be one, the other, or both, depending on the circumstances.
How to Claim LOT Compensation?
If you need to claim compensation from LOT, the process will depend on what type of compensation you are entitled to. Here are some of the most popular situations.
1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: LOT
If you’re traveling with LOT, it’s good to know that the airline is typically responsible for compensating passengers for a range of issues. These include things like airline staff strikes, technical problems, or staffing shortages.
However, there are some situations where the airline doesn’t have to provide compensation. If a flight is delayed or cancelled due to bad weather, a natural disaster, pandemic, or other events beyond the airline’s control, it’s considered an extraordinary circumstance and no compensation is due.
So let’s take a closer look at each type of flight disruption and what it means for passengers.
1.1 Long Flight Delay
Conditions for receiving LOT delayed flight compensation are as follows:
- Delay must be at least 3 hours long (calculated at the time of arrival);
- Delay must be due to the fault of LOT;
- Flight must be from/to/within Europe.
How to claim flight delay compensation? Go to LOT Airline’s website and contact their customer support center or submit a compensation claim using the forms on LOT’s website. It’s important to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 when doing so. It’s possible that the airline may refuse to pay compensation, and additional proof may be necessary.
Alternatively, you can file a claim with a flight compensation company like our partners, which is the easiest way.
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: LOT Flight Delay Compensation
1.2 Flight Cancellation
How to claim LOT compensation for flight cancellation?
To get compensation, your flight must meet these requirements:
- It must be a last-minute cancellation (up to 14 days before the flight);
- Flight must be cancelled due to the fault of the airline, not due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control;
- Flight must be to/from/within Europe.
To claim compensation for a cancelled flight with LOT, it’s advisable to collect all documentation including booking details, flight confirmation, and any communication with the airline. You can then proceed to contact the airline directly to assert your rights and request compensation. If the airline denies your claim or if you encounter any hurdles, seeking legal advice or contacting the national enforcement body responsible for air passenger rights in the country where the flight was scheduled to depart from or arrive in may be worthwhile.
Or file a claim with our partners. It’s the easiest option out there.
Read more: LOT Flight Cancellation Compensation
1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking
When the airline sells more tickets than there are seats available on the aircraft, it is called overbooking. If you are not allowed to board the flight because of overbooking, you may be eligible for compensation.
However, there are certain criteria that must be met:
- The denial of boarding should be considered “involuntary”, meaning it was not a result of your own actions (like arriving late, not following security procedures or not having a valid passport or visa);
- The denial must be due to flight overbooking;
- Flight must be to/from/within Europe.
If you have been denied boarding and believe you are entitled to compensation, you should contact LOT directly to assert your rights and request compensation.
Or file a claim with our partners. It’s the easiest option out there.
Read more: LOT Denied Boarding Compensation
1.4 Missed Connection Flight
If your first flight is delayed or canceled, causing you to miss your connecting flight and arrive at your destination three or more hours later than originally scheduled, you could be eligible for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
To receive compensation:
- The delay must be caused by LOT (and not an extraordinary circumstance);
- The delay must be at least 3 hours;
- The flight must be to/from/within Europe.
To seek compensation from LOT, contact their customer support centre through their website. Or use the compensation claim form on our website to register your claim with our partners; it is the easiest and most hassle-free option.
Read more: LOT Missed Connection Compensation
1.5 Downgrading
How to claim LOT compensation if you have been downgraded?
If you experience involuntary downgrading from your flight class, the airline is obligated to compensate you for the inconvenience. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of your flight and may range from 30% to 75% of your ticket cost. LOT is required to pay this compensation promptly.
In case LOT fails to compensate you immediately, you should contact the airline to file a claim. You are not obliged to accept any LOT vouchers or coupons. If you encounter any issues during the process, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 can be referenced.
Read more: LOT Flight Downgrade Compensation
2. Baggage Compensation
When it comes to baggage issues, you have two options available.
Firstly, you can delegate the responsibility to your insurance company and let them handle the matter. Alternatively, you can file a claim on LOT’s website. It’s worth noting that flight compensation companies typically do not handle these types of claims.
2.1 Damaged Baggage
If your checked bag is damaged, here’s what you can do.
- 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: LOT Damaged Baggage Compensation
2.2 Delayed Baggage
If your baggage is delayed, here’s what you can do:
- Report the loss of your bag at the Baggage Service Office;
- Get the Property Irregularity Report or PIR with a personal reference number;
- Track your bag’s status online, using the reference number;
- Get reimbursement for your expenses (only essential items, though).
Read more: LOT Delayed Baggage Compensation
2.3 Lost Baggage
There are instances where your baggage may not arrive at the destination airport.
In such cases, take the following steps:
- Report the loss of your baggage immediately at the airport.
- Obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) that includes a reference number for tracking purposes.
- Monitor the status of your bag online by using this reference number.
- If your bag remains missing after 21 days, prepare a list of the items that were inside it so you can claim compensation of up to €1300.
- In addition to compensation, file a claim for any additional expenses incurred.
Read more: LOT Lost Baggage Compensation
3. LOT Refund For Cancellation
If your flight with LOT gets cancelled, you can request a refund for the paid fare.
Additionally, depending on the situation, you may also be eligible for compensation. To make a claim, get in touch with LOT and follow up if necessary after a few weeks. For more information on this process, refer to the linked article below.
Read more: LOT Refund For Cancellation
3.1 What If You Cancel a LOT Flight?
If you cancel a LOT Airlines flight, the process is straightforward.
Start by cancelling your reservation; this can be performed online via the LOT’s website or by contacting their customer service. Following the cancellation, a refund request must be submitted. Your refund amount will largely hinge on the specific conditions of your ticket fare.
Please be aware that not all tickets are refundable. If you purchased a non-refundable ticket, you may not be eligible for a refund, or you may face substantial cancellation charges. It’s vital to carefully read and understand the fare rules prior to purchasing a ticket.
Keep in mind that while you may be eligible for a refund, you will not receive compensation for cancelling your own flight. Under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, compensation only applies when the flight is cancelled by the airline, not when the passenger decides to cancel.
Thus, while you may receive a refund for your ticket depending on the fare conditions, you cannot receive compensation for flights cancelled by you.
Do Not Agree to LOT Vouchers
When you are eligible for European flight compensation or a refund from LOT Airlines, it’s crucial to remember that you are not required to accept LOT vouchers as a form of compensation. You have the right to demand a monetary refund instead.
When dealing with LOT customer service, always make sure to reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and state clearly that you refuse to accept vouchers as compensation. If the customer service representative fails to offer a cash refund, request to speak to a supervisor or manager.
Indeed, you are entitled to receive your compensation or refund from LOT Airlines without having to accept vouchers as the method of payment.
Claiming LOT Flight Compensation On Your Own
How to claim LOT compensation yourself?
To claim LOT flight compensation independently, it is crucial to remain persistent and have a clear understanding of your rights. It’s worth noting that airlines may sometimes attempt to avoid paying compensation by exaggerating the situation or claiming technical difficulties as extraordinary circumstances- which is not true since technical problems are not considered as such.
Furthermore, some airlines might offer vouchers instead of actual compensation, which is a common tactic worldwide, not unique to LOT.
In summary, to independently claim LOT flight compensation:
- Ascertain if you are entitled to compensation. Use EC Regulation No. 261/2004 as a reference to determine if your situation warrants either 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 LOT. Submit your claim directly to LOT’s customer service. This can be done via email, telephone, or their website.
- Stay firm. If the initial response from LOT is not satisfactory, do not back down. Continue to interact with the airline and assert your right to compensation.
- Reject vouchers. Remember, you are entitled to monetary compensation. Do not accept vouchers if they are offered.
- Escalate if necessary. If the airline refuses your compensation request, consider escalating the matter to a National Enforcement Body or initiating a legal action.
Following these steps, you can independently claim LOT compensation. However, bear in mind that this procedure can be complex, and professional help is available if needed.
Read more:
- Your LOT Compensation Claim Is Rejected. What’s Next?
- Why Is Your LOT Refund Taking So Long and What Can You Do?
Court Action – LOT
There may be occasions when taking legal action against the airline becomes necessary.
If LOT denies your claim, you can opt to appeal to NEB. This may be advantageous in avoiding court proceedings. Although the airline may still refuse to provide compensation, a favorable decision from NEB could significantly bolster your position in court, thereby increasing the possibility of success.
What is your experience with LOT compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from LOT? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.
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