Czech Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation

Czech Airlines flight cancellation compensation.

Czech Airlines refund. What is the difference between the two?

When can you get a refund, and when — compensation? Can you get both? What is the amount of compensation? In this article, we will answer to these questions, and more. There are numerous reasons why flights get cancelled. All you need to know is, if your flight is cancelled due to the airline’s fault, you may be entitled to both – a full refund from Czech Airlines and cancellation compensation.

You can get up to €600 per person for a single flight.

With Czech Airlines, it applies to flights to and from the EU.

EU Regulation 261/2004

To put it simply, EU regulation 261/2004 is a law on air passenger rights in Europe. This law talks about the air passenger rights in case of flight cancellation, denied boarding, and lengthy flight delays.

You may be entitled to monetary compensation, a full refund, reimbursement of expenses, or alternative transportation to your final destination in the event of a qualifying flight disruption.

Thanks to this regulation, you are protected when your flight is cancelled.

In this article, we will focus on flight cancellations.

1. Czech Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation: EU Regulations

What should you do if your Czech Airlines flight gets cancelled?

Does the airline offer a rebooking at no extra cost? Is a refund an option? Might you qualify for flight cancellation compensation? EU regulations provide clear guidelines for flight cancellation scenarios.

If you are notified of the cancellation 7 – 14 days before the flight:

• You choose a new flight offered by Czech Airlines, which departs not more than 2 hours before the original departure time and you reach your destination less than 4 hours after the original arrival time. In this situation, you are not entitled to flight compensation.
• In other situations you are entitled to compensation.

If you are notified of the cancellation less than 7 days before the flight:

• You choose a new flight offered by Czech Airlines, which departs not more than 1 hour before the original departure time and you reach your destination less than 2 hours after the original arrival time. In this situation, you are not entitled to compensation.
• In other situations you are entitled to compensation.

Are you entitled to Czech Airlines flight cancellation compensation? 

Yes, if your flight meets these 3 criteria:

• Your flight is cancelled due to Czech Airlines’ fault.
• It’s a last-minute cancellation (less than 2 weeks before the flight);
• Your flight is to or from 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

Sometimes, your flight might be cancelled for reasons beyond the airline’s control, known as extraordinary circumstances. In these situations, you’re not entitled to flight cancellation compensation, no matter how last-minute the cancellation is.

If your flight with Czech Airlines is cancelled due to unforeseen events such as bad weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, security risks, or political instability, you will not be eligible for flight cancellation compensation. These circumstances are beyond the airline’s control.

What about staff strikes at the airport? If the delay is due to a Czech Airlines staff strike, you may be entitled to compensation. However, if the strike is unrelated to the airline, it’s deemed an extraordinary circumstance.

But what about technical problems? Should your flight be cancelled due to technical issues, you may be eligible for compensation, as such problems do not fall under the category of extraordinary circumstances and are within the airline’s control.

And, yes, make sure to double-check what you’re told.

Because not always airlines are telling you the truth. 

When trying to get compensation on your own, make sure you’re not unfairly denied compensation. Airlines often try to avoid paying to save money, so you may need to keep pushing.

If it’s getting too stressful, think about using a flight compensation company. They can check your flight and, if you’re owed money, they’ll handle the claim for you. Just fill out a form on our website, and our partners will take care of it.

1.2 Right to Care from Czech Airlines

Your Czech Airlines flight is cancelled last-minute.

Now you have to wait at the airport for a new flight.

That means you have a right to care from the airline.

The EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 states that if your flight has been delayed, cancelled or overbooked, and as a result you need to wait at the airport for 3 or more hours, you have a right to receive care from the airline. Here is what it means for you as a passenger.

Czech Airlines must offer you free meals and drinks in a reasonable relation to the waiting time, two free phone calls or emails. If your new flight is leaving only on the next day, and you have to stay at the airport for a night, a free hotel stay (including free transfer) must be offered.

Remember this! Agreeing to these free services doesn’t affect your chances of getting compensation.

1.3 Czech Airlines Flight Cancellation Refund

And again, the rules are super specific.

According to EU Regulation 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled, Czech Airlines should offer you either a new flight or a full refund. It applies to all Czech Airlines flight cancellations, including those due to extraordinary circumstances.

If you choose the refund, not a new flight, it must be made within 7 days.

You don’t have to agree to a Czech Airlines voucher.

Here’s an excerpt from the Regulation (EC) No 261/2004:

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Article 5

Cancellation

In case of cancellation of a flight, the passengers concerned shall: (a) be offered assistance by the operating air carrier in accordance with Article 8.

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Article 8

Right to reimbursement or re-routing

Where reference is made to this Article, passengers shall be offered the choice between: (a) – reimbursement within seven days (b) re-routing, under comparable transport conditions, to their final destination at the earliest opportunity.

It doesn’t apply to situations when you cancel a Czech Airlines flight yourself.

2. How to Claim Czech Airlines Compensation?

There are two best options. To contact the airline, or to work with experts.

The first option is more time-consuming, and the other – is easier.

The first option is to contact Czech Airlines directly. Contact the airline using the email or the contact form provided on their website. If you are claiming compensation yourself, be prepared that it may take months, and as a minimum a few reminder emails, until you receive compensation from Czech Airlines.

When submitting a Czech Airlines flight cancellation compensation claim, don’t forget to refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This will improve your chances of a faster resolution.

You can also take the easiest path — legal representation.

In this case, everything is handled by a flight compensation company. The company will contact Czech Airlines, and do all the negotiations. You won’t have to do any of that. In you choose this option, all you have to do is to fill in and sign one form (EU flight cancellation compensation claim form). Our partners offer such services.

Read more:

• How to Claim Czech Airlines Compensation?
• Is Your Czech Airlines Flight Compensation Claim Denied? What’s Next?
• Your Czech Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?

2.1 How Long Does It Take?

No matter how you proceed, it’s a lengthy process.

If the airline responds quickly, you might receive your compensation after 2-3 months. If not, it might take twice as long as that, or more. If you do it yourself and for the first time, add in the time necessary to fill in all the necessary documentation. The latter is especially time-consuming when going to court or NEB.

Work with a flight compensation claim company for the best results.

3. How Much Is Czech Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation?

In Europe, Czech Airlines flight cancellation compensation is up to 600 euro per person, for a single flight. Here is how you can calculate your Czech Airlines compensation:

When your destination is within the EU/UK:

When your destination is outside the EU/UK:

There’s one exception. When the flight distance is 3500+ kilometres and you reach your destination 3 to 4 hours later than planned, you are entitled only to 50% of the compensation amount (that means €300, not €600).

3.1 Czech Airlines Voucher Refund or Cash?

What if the airline is offering you a voucher instead of money?

If you are offered a Czech Airlines voucher instead of money, you don’t have to accept it. Ask for a bank transfer instead. Unless a voucher is a much better option for you. In Europe, airline compensation payments and refunds have to be paid in cash or by bank transfer.

It applies to all EU flights and EU airlines.

The rules are exactly the same in the UK and the EEA.

4. What Happens If a Flight Is Cancelled?

First of all, wait for an email from Czech Airlines. 

If you’ve received an email from Czech Airlines, review the information provided. It likely contains all the necessary details. Czech Airlines is obligated to offer you an alternative flight to your destination (there may be multiple options) or a full refund. Choose the option that best fits your needs.

This policy also applies to very last-minute cancellations. If you’re already at the airport and facing a last-minute cancellation, wait for an announcement from Czech Airlines.

Typically, you’ll have the option to select either a new flight or a full refund. Should you opt for the refund, it’s important to note that refunds are generally processed within seven days. Well, they must be processed as fast, according to EU laws. In reality, it can also take longer.

Additionally, you may be eligible for compensation. As long as it’s a last-minute flight cancellation, and it’s happening due to airline’s fault.

4.1 Connecting Flights

Do you need to be on time for another flight? 

If it’s a Czech Airlines connecting flight, don’t worry. If you miss your connection because your previous flight was delayed or cancelled, the airline will book you on another flight free of charge. As long it’s a Czech Airlines connection, booked as a single flight, and all flight legs are under one booking reference. 

But if it’s a self-transfer (you have booked two or more separate flights), it’s your responsibility. The airline won’t put you on a new flight free of charge. You will need to book a new flight yourself. Your travel insurance might cover the costs. 

Czech Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation and Refund: FAQ

Czech Airlines Refund

EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists

Other Situations

What is your experience? Have you ever received Czech Airlines flight cancellation compensation? Do you still have questions about Czech Airlines‘ compensation claim procedures and policies? Ask in the comments.