How to claim Air Malta compensation?
How to claim flight delay compensation?
Getting compensation from Air Malta may be both hard and easy, depending on the circumstances at hand. In some cases, you might have multiple options and can opt to handle it yourself or assign it to a more professional individual or a company. However, in some situations, you will have to do all by yourself. Before we start, it’s important to understand the difference between compensation and refund – they’re not the same thing.
Depending on the scenario, you may be eligible for compensation, a refund, or both.
How to Claim Air Malta Compensation?
The process for securing compensation from Air Malta is dependent on the kind of compensation you’re applying for. Here are some commonly encountered scenarios:
1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: Air Malta
Remember that aircraft technical glitches and staff strikes fall under the airline’s responsibility, as opposed to being extraordinary circumstances.
1.1 Long Flight Delay
Criteria for getting flight delay compensation from Air Malta:
- Delay must be 3 or more hours long (at the time of arrival);
- Delay must be due to the fault of the airline;
- Flight must be within/to/from Europe.
When you need to ask for a compensation claim with Air Malta, reach out to their customer service centre through their website and fill out a claim form. Mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and maintain a consistent line of communication – don’t give up.
Alternatively, you can also file a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.
Read more:
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.
1.2 Flight Cancellation
For you to be liable for compensation, your flight must adhere to several conditions:
- Considered as cancelled at the last-minute (cancelled up to 14 days prior to the flight);
- The cancellation is attributed to Air Malta and not caused by uncontrollable factors like severe weather or extraordinary circumstances;
- The flight is within/from/to Europe.
To start a claim, reach out to Air Malta via their customer care portal. It’s crucial to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and remind them of your legal rights to prevent your claim from being dismissed.
Alternatively, you can file a claim with our partners, a flight compensation company.
Read more:
- Air Malta Flight Cancellation Compensation
- Your Air Malta Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking
For you to be entitled to denied boarding compensation, certain requirements must be fulfilled:
- It must be an involuntary denial of boarding (as a result of overbooking). This is a must;
- The denial of boarding needs to be the fault of the airline (i.e., overbooking) and not due to issues with your paperwork, such as passport, visa, etc.;
- The flight must be from/within/to Europe.
It’s important to note that passengers who lack proper travel documents, like a valid visa, are not eligible for compensation. Passengers who voluntarily choose alternatives like a later flight may not be eligible for compensation either.
To claim your denied boarding compensation, reach out to Air Malta’s customer support centre via their website.
Refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Or file a claim with our partners.
Read more: Air Malta Denied Boarding Compensation
1.4 Missed Connection Flight
If a delay or cancellation of your first flight results in you missing your next flight and arriving at your destination 3 or more hours later than originally planned, you might be eligible for compensation as per Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
However, this is only applicable if:
- The delay is due to Air Malta’s responsibility, and not extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather conditions or pandemics;
- The flights are taking off from or landing in Europe.
To initiate a compensation claim from Air Malta, you can get in touch with their customer support centre via their website. Be sure to quote Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Or file a claim with our partners.
Read more: Air Malta Missed Connection Compensation
1.5 Downgrading
In case you are involuntarily downgraded on your flight, you are entitled to compensation from the airline. The compensation amount hinges on the flight distance and can range from 30% to 75% of the ticket price. The airline is expected to compensate you immediately.
In the event of non-compliance, you need to contact Air Malta and lodge a claim. Be aware that accepting any vouchers or coupons offered by the airline is not mandatory. If you encounter difficulties, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
2. Baggage Compensation
How to claim your Air Malta baggage compensation?
When it comes to compensating for baggage-related issues, you have a couple of alternatives to consider.
You can get in touch with your insurance provider to process the claim on your behalf or you can submit a claim directly via Air Malta’s website. Keep in mind that baggage claims are typically not handled by flight compensation companies.
2.1 Damaged Baggage
If your luggage or bag has been damaged, here are the steps you should follow.
Following order:
- File a damage report at the airport within a 7-day period of receiving your bag;
- Prepare the necessary details;
- Receive compensation of up to €1300.
Read more: Air Malta Damaged Baggage Compensation
2.2 Delayed Baggage
If your luggage is delayed, adhere to the following guide:
- Register the loss of your baggage at the airport;
- Obtain the Property Irregularity Report or PIR, along with a reference number;
- Monitor the status of your bag online using your unique number;
- Secure reimbursement for your expenses (essential items that you had to purchase due to this baggage delay).
Read more: Air Malta Delayed Baggage Compensation
2.3 Lost Baggage
In certain instances, your bag might not arrive at all.
If this occurs, here’s what you need to do:
- Report the loss of your bag at the airport;
- Secure the Property Irregularity Report with a reference number;
- Monitor your bag’s status online, using your unique number;
- In case your bag is not located after 21 days, prepare a list of items that were in your bag, to claim compensation of up to €1300;
- Apart from claiming compensation, you can file a claim for any additional expenses – for things that you had to buy because your bag was lost.
Read more: Air Malta Lost Baggage Compensation
3. Air Malta Refund For Cancellation
If your flight with Air Malta is cancelled, you have the option to receive a refund of the amount you paid for the flight. However, depending on the circumstances, you may also be eligible for compensation. To claim your refund or compensation, it is important to contact Air Malta as soon as possible. Follow up after a couple of weeks if necessary.
You can read more about this process in the linked article.
Read more: Air Malta Refund For Cancellation
3.1 What If You Cancel an Air Malta Flight?
If you cancel your Air Malta flight, the refund process is relatively simple.
To start, you need to cancel your reservation; this can be done online through the Air Malta website or by contacting their customer support. Following the cancellation, a refund request must be submitted. The refund amount will depend on the fare conditions of your ticket.
Do note, that not all tickets are refundable. If you purchased a non-refundable ticket, you might not receive a refund, or there might be heavy cancellation charges. It’s important to read and understand the fare rules before purchasing a ticket.
It’s also important to know that while you may be eligible for a refund, you will not receive compensation for cancelling your own flight. Compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 only applies when the flight is cancelled by the airline, not when the passenger chooses to cancel.
So, in conclusion, while you may get a refund for your ticket depending on the fare conditions, you cannot get compensation for self-cancelled flights.
Do Not Agree to Air Malta Vouchers
When you are entitled to European flight compensation or a refund from Air Malta, it is important to know that you do not have to accept Air Malta vouchers as a form of compensation. You have the right to request a monetary refund instead.
When dealing with Air Malta customer service, you should always make sure to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and make it clear that you are not willing to accept vouchers as compensation. If the customer service agent does not offer a refund in cash, ask for further assistance from their supervisor or manager.
Yes – you have the right to receive your compensation or refund from Air Malta without having to accept vouchers as payment.
Claiming Air Malta Flight Compensation Independently
Pursuing a flight compensation claim on your own requires persistence and a thorough understanding of your entitlements. Airlines often try to avoid paying compensation when it’s due by exaggerating problems or, for example, calling mechanical issues as extraordinary events (this is not true – most of technical issues are not deemed extraordinary events).
They may also try to offer vouchers instead of cash compensation.
Such strategies are not just used by Air Malta.
In short, to claim Air Malta flight compensation on your own, you should:
- Determine your compensation eligibility. Based on EC Regulation No. 261/2004, identify whether your situation warrants flight compensation or a refund.
- Keep all important documents. This implies boarding passes, tickets, receipts, and any additional evidence of your flight and costs.
- Reach out to Air Malta. Forward your claim directly to Air Malta’s customer service. This could be done via email, telephone, or through their website.
- Show persistence. If the initial response is not up to your satisfaction, don’t abandon your efforts. Follow up with the airline and assert your right to compensation.
- Deny vouchers. Keep in mind, you are entitled to monetary compensation. If vouchers are offered, do not accept them.
- Escalate if required. If the airline denies your compensation claim, consider raising the issue to a National Enforcement Body or instigating legal proceedings.
Observe these steps and you should be able to handle the flight compensation claim process independently. Nonetheless, bear in mind this can be a sophisticated process, and professional assistance is available if required.
Court Action – Air Malta
If your compensation claim is refused by Air Malta, it may be necessary to consider legal action against the airline. Prior to approaching a court, you can elevate your claim to NEB, which could possibly prevent a court case. NEB’s favourable decision can improve your stance and enhance your likelihood of a positive result, despite the airline’s refusal to pay compensation.
If after all these efforts, the airline continues to deny your compensation, filing a lawsuit against Air Malta might be your only option. This step should be seen as a final measure after exploiting all other paths of mediation and escalation. Keep in mind, that legal actions can be taxing, both in terms of finances and time.
So, it is important to be ready and understand what you’re venturing into. However, if your claim holds up under EC Regulation No. 261/2004, and you possess the necessary documents to prove it, a court may indeed be the next stop.
What is your experience with Air Malta compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from Air Malta? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.