How to claim reimbursement and compensation from Finnair
Traveling can be exciting, but unfortunately, some inconveniences can occur such as cancelled flights, overbooked flights, delayed flights o lost luggage. The good news is that in many situations, the passenger has the right to request a refund and/or compensation.
In the specific case of Finnair flights, there are precise conditions and special documents to submit and we at Rimborso Al Volo are available to help you better understand the subject and assert your rights, guiding you through all the procedures.
The history of Finnair airline
Founded in 1923 under the name Aero O/Y, Finnair is one of the oldest airlines in the world. Based in Helsinki, it specializes in rapid connections between Europe and Asia thanks to the polar route. The first flight took place on March 20, 1924, along the Helsinki–Tallinn route.
In 1953, it began using the Finnair brand, which only became the company’s official name on June 25, 1968. Finnair is one of the partners of the global Oneworld alliance and, together with its partner airlines, dominates the Finnish and international domestic airline market to and from the country.
Finnair Reimbursement and Compensation: Differences and Case Studies
Please be careful not to confuse the two, as there is a difference. A refund refers to the full or partial return of the amount paid (the cost of the ticket and any additional expenses incurred) and is generally granted because it was not possible to take the flight. Compensation, on the other hand, is a sum of money – the amount of which varies and is independent of the ticket price and whether the flight actually took place – to which the passenger is entitled to make up for the inconvenience suffered as a result of the airline’s inefficiency… but don’t worry, as we’ll look at both scenarios in detail.
Finnair Refund: What is it and when is it eligible?
Pursuant to Regulation (EC) 261/2004 (being an EU carrier on every route), Finnair guarantees monetary reimbursement for failure to provide the service. In the event of:
- Exceptional circumstances for which the company cannot be considered responsible for the inconvenience and non-departure, such as adverse weather conditions, strikes, health or safety.
Finnair also includes among the case studies:
- Flight delayed by more than 5 hours
- Inability to leave due to serious illness following a medical certificate
Finnair will allow passengers to choose whether to request a ticket refund or be reprocessed on a similar flight.
In the latter case, the passenger will also be entitled to reimbursement for all extra expenses such as extra nights at the hotel, meals, and travel that was not planned to reach another airport.
Finnair Compensation: What is it and when is it entitled?
Compensation (or indemnity or monetary compensation) has nothing to do with the refund of the ticket but is a sum of money that is due to the passenger for inconveniences suffered as a result of:
- Flight canceled
- Flight delayed by more than 3 hours
- Overbooked flight
- Inconveniences related to baggage delivery such as lost luggage o delayed baggage delivery
Compensation is thus compensation payable to the passenger for inefficiency on the part of the airline and is completely independent of the cost of the ticket.
The passenger does NOT have the right to claim any compensation when:
- was notified of the flight cancellation at least 14 days in advance
- he is denied boarding for health or safety reasons or in the event of invalid travel documents;
- unforeseen events occur that exempt the airline from any responsibility such as adverse weather conditions, safety risks.
If the passenger is not entitled to compensation from Finnair for exceptional circumstances, can he be entitled to a refund?
Of course, if the flight has been cancelled due to a strike or safety risks demonstrated by Finnair, the airline is required to reprotect the traveler on the first available flight or reimburse the cost of the flight it cancelled, as well as pay any extra expenses.
However if the flight is cancelled due to weather, you do not receive compensation (extra compensation) but you are always entitled to a refund of your ticket if you do not leave.
How much is Finnair compensation?
As the Passenger Bill of Rights highlights, the airline is in fact required to compensate the traveler for the following inconveniences:
- Flight canceled
- Denied boarding due to overbooking
- Flight delayed by at least 3 hours
- €250.00 for all journeys of 1,500 km or less
- €400.00 for journeys between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- €600.00 for journeys over 3,500 km
Compensation is paid in the following cases but for the figure it refers to the distance of trafficking.
- damaged luggage
- Delay in the delivery of baggage
- lost baggage
For each of these situations Finnair compensates the passenger up to approximately €1,600 according to the Montreal Convention.
How to claim a Finnair refund and/or compensation?
Ryanair refund can be claimed for cancelled flight, overbooking, delayed flight or exceptional circumstances through the “Claims” form in the Customer Service section of the site. Finnair offers an automated verification system based on the flight and ticket number.
However, it often happens that passengers only proceed with the request for reimbursement, mainly because they are unaware of the conditions in which the compensation is applicable or because they are told that the causes of the cancellation or delay were force majeure. Furthermore, claiming compensation from Finnair can lead to difficulties and rather long waiting times without being certain of obtaining compensation. For these reasons it is always recommended to rely on a team of professionals such as that of Rimborso al Volo who will handle all the paperwork for the passenger and verify everything the airline says about any exceptional circumstances to find out if they are actually entitled to compensation as well.
How to get a Finnair refund and/or compensation with the help of Rimborso Al Volo?
We offer a service to obtain financial compensation from Finnair depending on the air travel inconvenience caused.
By relying on the Flight Refund staff for your Finnair refund and compensation claim, the process will certainly be faster than if you made your own claim. In case you go through legal channels, the team will seek the cooperation of legal experts to enforce your rights to the fullest!
Fill out the form and request your Finnair refund.
FAQ Flight disruptions Finnair
Can I use Avios points for compensation?
- Legal Compensation: If you are entitled to EU compensation (e.g. 600€ for delay), Finnair must pay you in cash (referral).
- The Avios option: Points are credited to your Finnair Plus account usually within 3 business days of closing the practice.
- Refundof extra expenses: Finnair often offers passengers compensation in the form of Avios or Voucher points instead of cash, offering a higher value (for example, you might receive 800€ in Avios points instead of 600€ in cash).
Flight delayed Finnair: what am I entitled to?
- Delay of more than 2 hours:
- Finnair is required to provide you with coupons for meals and drinks, as well as the ability to make two calls or send emails.
- Se il volo viene posticipato al giorno successivo, la compagnia deve offrirti gratuitamente l'hotel e il trasporto da/per l'aeroporto.
- Compensation (after 3 hours): If you arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours late, you are entitled to monetary compensation (from 250€ to 600€ depending on the route), unless the delay is due to exceptional circumstances.
Finnair flight cancelled or delayed due to exceptional circumstances: what am I entitled to?
- No compensation: Finnair is not obligated to pay you monetary compensation.
- right to assistance
This right always remains valid. Even if it's not the company's fault, Finnair still has to provide you with food, water, and a hotel if needed until you can leave. - Choice between Refund or Reprotection: You always have the right to choose whether to be boarded on the first available flight or receive a full refund of your ticket.
Lost luggage Finnair: what am I entitled to?
- Complaint (PIR) Compila il modulo Property Irregularity Report prima di lasciare l'aeroporto. Finnair will provide you with a case number.
- Lost luggage: If your baggage is not found within 21 days, it is legally considered lost. You are entitled to compensation for the value of the suitcase and all its contents, up to a maximum of approximately €1,600. You will be asked to provide a detailed list of the contents and their values.
- Luggage delayed: Finnair must cover the costs of essential items such as personal hygiene products, linens, and essential clothing for the waiting period. There will be no refund for luxury items unless you must attend a specific documentable event (e.g., a wedding).
- Damaged Luggage: If the suitcase is broken or the contents are ruined Finnair usually asks you to take the suitcase to a contracted center for repair or, if irreparable, offers you a refund based on the current value (considering the wear and tear on the luggage).
Problems on the Flight? Get compensation up to 600€
Get compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation or overbooking occurred within the last 2 years.
