How to request a refund and compensation from Asiana 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 Asiana 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 Asiana Airlines
Founded in 1988, Asiana Airlines is one of the pillars of South Korean aviation. A long-standing member of Star Alliance, the airline connects Seoul with major cities around the world. Asiana is currently in the midst of a major merger with Korean Air (which began in late 2024), a move that will create an Asian air transport giant by 2026. Despite the corporate changes, passenger rights remain guaranteed by current regulations.
Asiana Airlines refunds and compensation: differences and case studies
Be careful not to get confused because there is a difference. Refund represents full or partial repayment of the amount of money paid (cost of the ticket and any extra expenses incurred) and is generally applicable because the flight could not be made. Compensation, on the other hand, is a sum of money, which varies in amount and is independent of the cost of the ticket and the actual making of the flight, that is due to the passenger to compensate for inconveniences suffered as a result of inefficiency on the part of the airline…but don’t worry because we will delve well into the two cases.
Asiana Airlines refund: What is it and when are you entitled to it?
In accordance with Regulation (EC) 261/2004 (for flights departing from Europe) and the airline’s transport policies, passengers have the right to request a refund from Asiana Airlines, i.e. a refund of the money paid for the purchase of the air ticket or for any extra expenses incurred, in the event of:
- Cancellation of the flight by the airline.
- Exceptional circumstances for which Asiana Airlines cannot be held responsible for the inconvenience and failure to depart, such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic control strikes, health alerts or government restrictions.
Asiana Airlines also includes the following cases:
- Flight delayed by more than 5 hours
- Inability to travel for serious reasons: As stipulated in the Korean carrier’s policy, a refund may be requested in the event of the death of the passenger or a close relative, or due to serious health conditions that prevent travel.
Asiana Airlines will allow passengers to choose whether to request a refund for their ticket or to be rebooked on a similar flight (often operated as a codeshare with Star Alliance or Korean Air partners).
In the event of re-routing, passengers will also be entitled to reimbursement of all necessary and documented extra expenses, such as hotel accommodation (if the new flight is the following day), meals during the wait and transport to/from the airport.
Asiana 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 (without adequate notice)
Delayed flight (more than 3 hours late on arrival)
Overbooked flight (involuntary denied boarding)
- 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:
You were notified of the flight cancellation at least 14 days in advance.
Travel free of charge or at a reduced fare not available to the general public (e.g. employees of airlines or travel agencies with “ID/AD” fares).
They are denied boarding for justified reasons such as health, safety or travel documents (passport/visas) that are not valid for entry into South Korea or other destinations.
Exceptional circumstances beyond Asiana Airlines’ control occur, such as adverse weather conditions (e.g. typhoons), air traffic restrictions, political instability or external strikes (air traffic controllers).
If the passenger is not entitled to compensation from Asiana Airlines due to exceptional circumstances, may they be entitled to a refund?
Absolutely yes. If the flight is cancelled due to an external strike or adverse weather conditions, although Asiana Airlines is not required to pay financial compensation, it remains obliged to:
- Re-route the traveller on the first available flight (including with Star Alliance partners or Korean Air).
- Refund the cost of the ticket if the passenger decides not to take the alternative flight.
- Provide assistance with extra expenses (hotel, meals and transport) while waiting.
How much is the compensation from Asiana Airlines?
Under Regulation (EC) 261/2004 and the Montreal Convention, the Korean airline is required to compensate the traveller for the following inconveniences:
Flight cancelled or overbooked: compensation ranging from €250 to €600.
Flight delayed by at least 3 hours: compensation is calculated based on the distance of the route:
€250 for all journeys less than or equal to 1,500 km.
€400 for journeys between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
€600 for routes longer than 3,500 km (such as most intercontinental flights to/from Seoul).
Compensation for baggage (Montreal Convention):
Damaged luggage: compensation up to approximately €1,300 (based on Special Drawing Rights).
Delayed baggage delivery: reimbursement of documented essential expenses up to approximately €1,300.
Loss of luggage: compensation corresponding to the value of the contents, up to a maximum of approximately €1,300.
How to request a refund and/or compensation from Asiana Airlines?
You can request a refund from Asiana Airlines for cancelled flights, overbooking, flight delays or exceptional circumstances.
directly through the official website (flyasiana.com), by accessing the ‘Manage Bookings’ section or by contacting the international call centre. If the ticket was purchased through a travel agency or third-party portal, the verification and refund procedure may need to be initiated through the intermediary itself.
As for compensation for the inconvenience suffered, it will be necessary to submit a formal request through the Asiana Airlines customer service portal or by filling out the specific complaint form for disruptions covered by Regulation EU261.
However, passengers often only proceed with a refund request, mainly because they are unaware of the conditions under which compensation is applicable or because they are told that the causes of the cancellation or delay were due to force majeure. Furthermore, claiming compensation from Asiana Airlines can be difficult and involve long waiting times, with no guarantee of success. For these reasons, it is always advisable to rely on a team of professionals such as those at 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 Asiana Airlines with the help of Rimborso Al Volo?
We offer a service to obtain financial compensation from Asiana Airlines depending on the inconvenience caused by the flight.
By entrusting your Asiana Airlines refund and compensation claim to the Rimborso al Volo team, you can be sure that the process will be faster than if you were to make the claim yourself. If legal action is required, the team will seek the assistance of legal experts to ensure that your rights are fully upheld!
Fill out the form and request your Asiana Airlines refund.
FAQ Flight disruptions Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines flight cancelled: what am I entitled to?
- Ticket Refund: You may cancel your trip and obtain a refund for the cost of the ticket. If the company offers a voucher or credit, you may decline it and request a cash refund.
- Re-routing on an alternative flight: Asiana Airlines must offer you a seat on the first available flight to the same destination.
- Reimbursement of extra expenses: You are entitled to reimbursement of documented expenses incurred for unexpected accommodation, meals or transport.
- Compensation: If the cancellation is attributable to the airline and there are no exceptional circumstances (such as bad weather or security issues), you may be entitled to compensation under applicable legislation (for flights to/from the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 applies; for intercontinental flights, the rules of the Montreal Convention apply).
Asiana Airlines delayed flight: what am I entitled to?
- Delay of more than 3 hours:
- Compensation: You may be entitled to financial compensation if the delay is attributable to Asiana Airlines and not to extraordinary circumstances.
- Delay of more than 5 hours:
- Ticket refund: You can cancel your trip and obtain a refund.
- Re-routing on an alternative flight: Asiana Airlines must offer the option of travelling on the first available flight to the same destination.
- Reimbursement of extra expenses: You are entitled to reimbursement of documented costs incurred due to the delay, such as meals or overnight stays.
Asiana Airlines flight cancelled or delayed due to exceptional circumstances: what am I entitled to?
- Ticket Refund: You can cancel your trip and get a ticket refund.
- Re-routing on an alternative flight: Asiana Airlines will offer you an alternative flight to the same destination.
- Reimbursement of additional costs: You may apply for reimbursement of documented expenses such as accommodation, meals and unexpected transport costs.
Asiana Airlines overbooked flight: what am I entitled to?
- Ticket Refund: You can cancel your trip and get a ticket refund.
- Re-routing on an alternative flight: Asiana Airlines must offer you a seat on the first available flight to the same destination.
- Reimbursement of extra expenses: You may request reimbursement for documented expenses incurred while waiting.
- Compensation: For flights to/from the EU or under the Montreal Convention, you may be entitled to compensation for the inconvenience suffered, which varies depending on the route and circumstances.
Lost luggage with Asiana Airlines: what am I entitled to?
- Reimbursement of expenses incurred while waiting (clothing, hygiene products), even if they were present in the luggage.
- Compensation: up to a maximum amount established by the Montreal Convention (approximately 1,288 SDRs, equivalent to approximately €1,500), for the value of the baggage and the goods contained therein.
- Refund of expenses: reimbursement for essential goods purchased as replacements.
- Compensation: proportional to the delay in delivery, up to the limits set out in the Montreal Convention.
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.
