Compensation for delayed flights Discussion Area

David_e

abaalan wrote: »

Hi all,


I had a delayed flight in January for 4+ hours with Germania and used the guide on MSE and they have got back to me quickly with an offer of 150Euros per person.
Now my question is whether I should just take the money or try to get the full 250Euros out of them? Is it worth the potential extra hassle?

Thanks

Start here:

"Flight Delay Compensation Important Info - Please check before posting"

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4896454

If you read Vauban's guide (referred to on most threads), that'll tell you what you are entitled to and how much effort is involved in recovering it - assuming you want to do it yourself.

abaalan

Thanks for the reply, but yes I have read through all of that and cannot find anywhere that references being made an offer but not for the full amount (250Euros) and what to do about this?


Are they just trying to save themselves some money here? Here's part of the email in reply to my request for compensation:



'The initial delay was caused due to an unforeseen safety issue. This is outside of the airline's control and therefore you cannot claim the full compensation.

The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. But since we were not responsible for the delay we made a goodwill offer to you, to pay 150,- € per person.'

David_e

abaalan wrote: »

Are they just trying to save themselves some money here? Here's part of the email in reply to my request for compensation:

I think it is very safe to assume that if they are offering some money, they know they are liable for the lot. A goodwill gesture would be a voucher for some small amount.

darkovo

* added to Jet2 thread now *

Hi,
We have an ongoing claim with Jet2, resolver claim was acknowledged by them by email saying we had to write in, so we did, they have now replied to our written letter with their letter saying we need to supply more information - a copy of the booking reference, and also because there are 10 of us on the claim they need each person to confirm they are happy for me to claim on their behalf by signing a letter (name/address/date/signature). 4 of the 10 are kids, or were at the time of the flight, 1 is now 18 so would probably have to sign also, but I'd expect the parents could sign on the other kids behalf?
Would it be worth the 3 families doing their own claim instead? The problem there is being only 1 booking reference/invoice, it was booked and paid for all 10 people at the same time.

The main problem is with the proof of flying, it was late 2010 and no one has copies of their flight documents or stubs, we looked up the flight and have the correct flight number, times and delay length, but are relying on Jet2 confirming we flew with them.

What do you think?

111KAB

Firstly if it was late 2010 Jet2 will string you along so as to take you over the court threshold date ....so beware. Read Vauban's Guide first then any further questions should be on the dedicated Jet2 thread.

howticklediam

Yes, move it to the Jet2 thread. And tell us what the reason for the delay was.

darkovo

Now added to Jet2 thread, thanks

chocolateclair

just a bit of good news- I have received £465 today from Qatar airways, from a delayed flight originally in 2012 to Hong Hong. I used resolver, and thoroughly read Vauban's guide, and it all worked out well- thanks to help from this forum. I wish everyone else all the best with their own claims.
by the by- I didn't really have much original documentation like boarding passes, but I did send off my original itinerary from the (online) travel agent, and copies of complaint letters I sent just after the holiday itself, which provided a contemporary account of events, while my memory was fresh. They didn't even quibble.

JoyMorton

I am trying to find out what can be done about this situation, I have been in touch with the Malaysia airlines a number of times and still haven't had a reply from them. 4 of us was on a flight from Malaysia to Heathrow at the end of November 2015, the flight was delayed due to an earlier delay that morning so had a knock on effect with my flight. The flight was due to land at Heathrow at 4.15pm but didn't land until gone 6pm. Once off the plane, went to baggage area to collect our bags but our bags was not there. We went to the information desk for missing luggage and was there a length of time while they searched for our missing bags, filled out missing bags forms etc, we ended up with the 4 out of the 5 missing luggage bags back, the remaining luggage bag is still missing now. By the time we ended up leaving Heathrow airport it was just after 8pm so we were in the airport around another 2 hours trying to sort out the luggage problem. All this resulted in us missing our train home, so having to repurchase train tickets to get home. I am looking for a refund for these train tickets as this is down to the airline/airport that we missed our train in the first place. I know the delayed flight time was under 3 hours so cannot get compensation for this but with the added problems with the luggage and train tickets, surely I am able to get a refund for the train tickets that we had to repurchase costing a total of over £300. Thanks Joyce

DIYBaldyman

abaalan wrote: »

Are they just trying to save themselves some money here?[/FONT]

As David_e said, €150 pp is considerably more than a goodwill gesture. The offer is 60% of the full amount you're entitled to, they would not make such a substantial offer if they believed compensation was not due - they know they are liable & yes, I believe they are trying to save money by hoping you will accept.

They are probably considering that you may use a NWNF (no-win, no-fee) 3rd party, who generally charge a % of your award plus a fixed fee.

If there were 2 of you, you instructed a NWNF company to take it to court & won, or the airline decided to offer the full amount, your award would likely be as follows;

Award €500 - approx £395 at current exchange
% fee (typically 27%) €135 - approx £105
Fixed fee (typically €25pp) € 50 - approx £ 39

This would leave you with €315 (£247) or €157.50 each, not much more than what they're already offering, but without the wait & hassle of choosing & then sending just about every shred of evidence you have to a solicitor.

I've edited the above figures - the fixed adming fee is usually charged per-passenger, so going with a NWNF you'd only be €15 better off & at best would probably have to wait for several weeks before getting anything.

It's a reasonable offer - you asked if it's worth the extra hassle - I'm afraid that's a decision only you can make.

Are you're willing to take them on yourself & go for the full €500, or do you want the moral satisfaction of having the airline admit that they are liable?

I know it's not a definitive answer, I don't believe there is one, but I hope I've given you some sense of perspective.


Steve.