How to request a refund and compensation from Brussels Airlines

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 Brussels Airlines flights, there are specific conditions and particular documents to be submitted, and we at Rimborso Al Volo are available to help you better understand the matter and assert your rights, guiding you through all the procedures.

The history of Brussels Airlines

Founded in 2006 from the ashes of SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express, Brussels Airlines is Belgium’s flag carrier. Since 2016, it has been an integral part of the Lufthansa Group and a member of Star Alliance. With its main hub at Brussels-Zaventem Airport, the airline serves as a vital bridge between the capital of Europe and the rest of the world.

In Italy, Brussels Airlines has an extensive network of direct flights from major airports (Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Bologna). It is particularly renowned for its extensive network of connections to sub-Saharan Africa, making Brussels a strategic hub for thousands of Italian passengers every year.

Brussels Airlines refunds 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.

Brussels Airlines refund: What is it and when are you entitled to it?

Passengers have the right to request a refund from Brussels Airlines, i.e. the return of the money paid for the purchase of the flight ticket or for any extra expenses incurred, in the event of:

Brussels Airlines will allow passengers to choose whether to request a refund for their ticket or to be rebooked on a similar flight.

Brussels Airlines compensation: What is it and when are you entitled to it?

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 cancelled (the flight is cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice)
  • Delayed flight (arriving at your final destination more than 3 hours late)
  • Overbooked flight
  • Inconveniences related to baggage delivery, such as lost baggage or delayed baggage (If your baggage is lost, damaged or delayed, Brussels Airlines is liable under the Montreal Convention)

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:

  • General strikes or strikes by ground staff (not Brussels Airlines employees).

  • Unfavourable weather conditions (e.g. heavy fog or snow in Brussels).

  • Closure of slopes or medical emergencies on board.

  • Manufacturing defects in the aircraft (not related to routine maintenance).

  • was notified of the flight cancellation at least 14 days in advance

If the passenger is not entitled to compensation from Brussels Airlines due to exceptional circumstances, may they be entitled to a refund?

Of course, if the flight was cancelled due to a strike, adverse weather conditions or, in general, exceptional circumstances proven by Brussels Airlines, the airline is still required to rebook the passenger on the first available flight or refund the cost of the unused ticket, in addition to covering the necessary assistance costs.

How much is the Brussels Airlines compensation?

The amount depends on the distance of the flight. The airline is required to compensate the traveller for the following inconveniences:

  • 250€ for journeys up to 1,500 km (e.g. Milan – Brussels).

  • 400€ for journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 km.

  • 600€ for journeys exceeding 3,500 km (e.g. flights to Africa with a stopover in Brussels, if the journey is a single trip).

How to request a refund and/or compensation from Brussels Airlines?

You can request a refund from Brussels Airlines for a cancelled flight, flight overbooking, flight delay or exceptional circumstances through the official channels:

  • Website: Use the ‘Help & Contact’ portal on brusselsairlines.com and select ‘Request compensation’.

  • Service Centre: Call the dedicated support number: +39 02 2333 1251 (Italy).

Tuttavia, spesso, capita che i passeggeri procedano solo con la richiesta del rimborso, principalmente perché non sono a conoscenza delle condizioni in cui è applicabile il risarcimento oppure perché viene detto loro che le cause della cancellazione o del ritardo erano di forza maggiore. Inoltre, la richiesta del risarcimento a Brussels Airlines può comportare delle difficoltà e dei tempi di attesa piuttosto lunghi senza avere la certezza di ottenere l’indennizzo. 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 obtain a refund and/or compensation from Brussels Airlines with the help of Rimborso Al Volo?

We offer a service to obtain financial compensation from Brussels Airlines depending on the inconvenience caused by the flight.

By relying on the Rimborso al Volo staff for your Austrian Airlines refund and compensation request, the process will certainly be quicker than if you made the request independently. In case you go through legal channels, the team will seek the cooperation of legal experts to enforce your rights to the fullest!

Fill in the form and request your Brussels Airlines refund.

FAQ Flight disruptions Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines flight cancelled due to a strike by its pilots. Am I entitled to compensation?

Yes. According to the European Court of Justice, strikes by company staff (pilots, flight attendants) are not exceptional circumstances. You are therefore entitled to compensation.

You can make claims for refund and compensation for flight cancellation through Ryanair's official website or with the assistance of intermediaries such as Refund On Flight.
Yes. As the distance is less than 1,500 km, you are entitled to full compensation of €250. The delay is calculated from the moment the aircraft door is opened upon arrival.

You can make claims for reimbursement and compensation for air delay through Ryanair's official website or with the assistance of intermediaries such as Reimbursement On Flight.
If you have purchased a single ticket, Brussels Airlines must board you on the first available flight to your final destination. If you arrive at your destination with a total delay of more than 3 hours, you are entitled to compensation based on the entire route.

Refund requests can be submitted via the Brussels Airlines website or with the assistance of authorised intermediaries.
If the diversion causes a delay of more than 3 hours in reaching your final destination, you are entitled to compensation, unless the diversion was caused by weather conditions or medical emergencies.
If your baggage is lost, damaged or delivered late, Brussels Airlines is liable under the Montreal Convention:
  • Delayed baggage: You can claim a refund for the purchase of essential goods (up to approximately €1,600) by presenting your receipts.
  • Damaged luggage: You must report the damage within 7 days of receiving your suitcase.
If the case is delivered within 21 days of reporting, you are entitled to:
  • Compensation: If it is not found within 21 days, you are entitled to compensation for the value of the suitcase and its contents.

You can apply for reimbursement and compensation for the loss of your suitcase o baggage delay on Ryanair's website or through authorized intermediaries.

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.

Phone Support | Compensation for the flight right of passengers
Flight Compensation | Compensation for the flight right of passengers