Yes, Southwest flights do offer compensation in the form of reimbursement for the travelers if their flights get delayed. The amount varies incredibly depending upon the time, that is how long the flight has been delayed.
Why Is Compensation Necessary?
Although keeping in mind the air traffic, weather disparities, and many other factors, flight delays and cancellations are no big deal in airway transportation. But it can be physically exhausting and mentally draining as it leads to skipping prior hotel or concert bookings or attending an extravagant event such as a marriage or business deal. This also can act as a bolt from blue to your pockets charging you with heavy losses. Therefore compensation is necessary and thankfully, is provided by Southwest Airlines.
Laws And Policies
Southwest Airlines provide compensation as it is compulsory legally. The law named EC 261 envelopes the rights of the travelers and provides passengers with the much-needed monetary support if their flight delays are grave enough. However, the reimbursement largely depends on the hourly delay of the flight.
A passenger is liable to obtain $ 700 or € 600 as compensation if the flights are delayed by three or more three hours. Also, if the flights are canceled 14 days before the departure, the passengers can avail their compensated amount. Apart from this, the airlines offer an option to rebook the very first flight available to the passengers’ destination. The carrier also provides $ 50 per hour for the delay. Unless the flight hasn’t been delayed by at least 90 minutes, the travelers can’t receive compensation. The amount received is also directly proportional to the distance. This is specified as under.
For all flights under 1,500 km; the compensation provided is € 250 per person. For internal EU flights for the above-mentioned distance, the amount varies significantly to € 400 per person. For non-internal EU flights traveling a distance ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 km; the compensation is the same as above, that is, € 400 per person. For non-internal EU flights with a distance parameter of 3,500 km; the reimbursement given is € 600.
Reimbursement Provided
Apart from monetary compensations, other reimbursements are also provided to the passengers. Either the passenger can be re-accommodated on the very next flight to his/her destination or gifted a travel voucher of about $ 100 that can be used for future traveling purposes.
In case the visitor isn’t re-accommodated within 2 hours after the flight delay, he/she is entitled to receive more advanced compensation. They enjoy the special status of ‘ priority standby ‘ and the price of the travel voucher offered increases from $ 300 to $ 1350 in addition to the amount of the ticket. The airline also serves the travelers with food, lodging, and drinks until they wait patiently.
When Isn’t Compensation Provided?
Before heading to avail compensation, one should keep in mind the following factors for which the compensation is denied.
Tormenting weather conditions. Sudden medical emergencies. Political unrest. Strikes were organized by the airport staff. Security threats.
The airline is also not obligated to pay if they re-accommodate the traveler in another flight that is scheduled to reach the destination at the same time as the previously delayed one. Also, compensations are only for flights that depart from the EU, not for the ones that arrive in the EU.
How To Claim Compensations?
To claim compensation, follow the steps listed below.
Visit the official website of Southwest airlines. Click on the ‘ Manage Reservations ‘ icon. Fill in the booking details asked for. Click the ‘ Search ‘ option. Follow the on-screen instructions provided and then apply for a refund.
Conclusion
The compensatory amount greatly relies upon the time of delay and the distance traversed as well. Although, the sum is also variable in case of certain exceptions and special cases. You can always look up the helpline number of the airlines for any further queries.
- What are the helpline numbers of Southwest Airlines?
You can contact 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) in the United States.. Wait patiently as they generally reply in 48h or so. You can also write to the Refunds Department. The address is Southwest Airlines, Refunds Department, P.O. Box – 36649, Dallas, Texas (75235-1649)
- What documents are required for claiming compensations?
You would need the ticket containing the details such as confirmation number, ticket number, date of departure, time of departure, origin, and the destination.
