Flight delays are a common headache for travelers. If you’ve flown with AJet, especially to or from a European airport, you have rights that could entitle you to compensation. This guide explains when you’re eligible, what causes delays attributable to the airline, and how to claim what’s rightfully yours.
Your Rights: EU Regulation EC 261/2004
Even though AJet is a Turkish low-cost carrier, its flights operating to or from European Union airports are protected by EU Regulation EC 261/2004. This crucial regulation, enacted in 2004, sets clear rules for passenger compensation and assistance during denied boarding, flight cancellations, and, importantly, long delays.
The core principle of EC 261/2004 is to safeguard passenger rights, ensuring airlines provide compensation and assistance when disruptions are within their control. This regulation applies to:
All flights departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline.
All flights arriving at an EU airport, provided the operating airline is an EU carrier (for AJet, the focus is on flights departing from the EU).
Given AJet’s network connecting Turkey with various European cities, many of its flights fall under this regulation.
When Is an AJet Flight Delay Eligible for Compensation?
Not every delay automatically triggers compensation. For your AJet flight delay to be eligible under EC 261/2004, these specific criteria must be met:
– Significant Delay on Arrival: Your AJet flight must arrive at your final destination 3 or more hours later than scheduled. Compensation is based on the arrival time, not departure, as the regulation aims to compensate for the inconvenience of reaching your destination late.
– EU Airport Connection: The flight must either:
– Depart from an EU airport (e.g., a flight from Berlin to Istanbul).
(Less common for AJet, but generally applies if an EU carrier’s flight arrives at an EU airport).
– Airline’s Responsibility: The delay must be due to the airline’s fault. Airlines are not obligated to pay compensation for “extraordinary circumstances” beyond their control. We’ll explore this distinction further.
– Valid Ticket & Timely Check-in: You must have had a confirmed booking and checked in on time as per the airline’s instructions.
Reasons for Delay: When AJet Is Accountable
AJet is generally liable for compensation when the delay results from issues within its operational control. These commonly include:
Technical Issues/Aircraft Malfunctions: If a mechanical problem is found before or during the flight, requiring repairs or an aircraft change, AJet is usually responsible. This includes routine equipment failures and maintenance-related issues.
Crew Problems: This covers issues like:
Pilot or Cabin Crew Shortages: If there aren’t enough qualified crew members due to illness, unexpected absence, or poor scheduling.
Crew Time Limitations: Delays caused by crew members exceeding their legal flying limits or inbound crew delays, leading to a chain reaction.
Operational Issues: These are broad and can include:
Flight Scheduling Problems: Poor scheduling that causes insufficient turnaround times or creates cascading delays.
Baggage Handling Delays: Issues with loading or unloading luggage that delay departure.
Lack of De-icing Equipment: If an airline lacks necessary de-icing equipment in expected conditions, leading to delays, they might be held responsible.
Overbooking: While usually linked to denied boarding, if overbooking causes a significant delay for other passengers or requires rerouting, it’s the airline’s fault.
Extraordinary Circumstances: When Compensation Doesn’t Apply
Airlines are exempt from compensation if the delay is due to “extraordinary circumstances”—events unavoidable even with all reasonable measures. These typically include:
– Severe Weather Conditions: Extreme fog, heavy snow, thunderstorms, or strong winds making flight unsafe. Routine weather variations are generally not considered extraordinary.
– Air Traffic Control (ATC) Restrictions/Strikes: Delays caused by widespread ATC restrictions or strikes by ATC personnel.
– Political Instability or Civil Unrest: Events like terrorist attacks, security alerts, or political unrest at airports.
– Hidden Manufacturing Defects: An undetected aircraft defect posing an unforeseen safety risk.
– Bird Strikes: A rare but significant bird strike causing aircraft damage.
Remember, the airline must prove that an extraordinary circumstance caused the delay and that they took all reasonable measures to avoid it.
What Compensation Can You Expect?
The ajet compensation amount for an eligible flight delay depends on the flight distance:
- €250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
- €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km.
Beyond monetary compensation, EC 261/2004 also mandates that AJet provides “duty of care” during long delays, including:
- Meals and refreshments appropriate for the waiting time.
- Communication: Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Accommodation: Hotel stays and airport transfers if an overnight delay occurs.
How to Claim Your AJet Flight Delay Compensation
Claiming AJet Flight Compensation directly from airlines can be difficult. Here’s how to approach it, with a strong recommendation for assistance:
- Gather Documentation: Keep all relevant travel documents:
- Booking confirmation and e-ticket
- Boarding pass
- Proof of the delay (e.g., screenshots from flight tracking apps, airport announcements, official notifications from AJet)
- Receipts for any expenses due to the delay (meals, transport, accommodation, if not provided by the airline).
- Contact AJet Directly (Initial Step): You can start by submitting a formal claim to AJet’s customer service, clearly stating your flight details, delay duration, and compensation request under EC 261/2004.
- Prepare for Resistance: Airlines might offer vouchers or deny claims citing “extraordinary circumstances.” Understand your rights and don’t settle for less unless fully informed.
- Seek Professional Assistance (Recommended): For many, the most effective way to claim compensation is through a specialized flight compensation company like FlyHelp. These platforms:
– Specialize in EC 261/2004: They know the regulations and how to handle airline resistance.
– Work on a “No Win, No Fee” Basis: You only pay a percentage if your claim succeeds, eliminating financial risk.
– Handle All Paperwork: They manage the entire process, from initial claim to legal action if needed.
– High Success Rate: Their expertise significantly boosts your chances of getting compensated.
By submitting your flight details through FlyHelp’s user-friendly online form, you can pass the burden to experts who will fight for your rights.
While AJet aims for affordable and reliable travel, delays are inevitable. Knowing your rights under EU Regulation EC 261/2004 empowers you to seek compensation when your travel plans are disrupted by issues within the airline’s control. By understanding eligibility, airline accountability, and how to claim, you can turn a frustrating experience into a fair reimbursement. Don’t let an AJet flight delay cost you more than just time; claim what you’re entitled to and ensure your passenger rights are protected.
