If you face an avoidable issue when flying with Air France, it can be frustrating. Once you get it resolved, you can file for additional compensation under EC 261. However, there’s no hard and fast rule on how long it can take to process the claim and receive your compensation. Here’s what you need to know.
Time to Receive Your Air France Compensation
The time to receive your answer to your claim is different from the time it takes to receive your compensation if your claim is accepted. Typically, Air France will process all claims within 30 days of receipt. That means you should know if you will get additional compensation within 30 days of the issue, though it may take longer based on the volume of requests.
However, it may take additional time for the money to hit your account. It depends on how you want to receive the compensation. Travel credits are sent to your account quicker, while cash compensation may take longer based on Air France and your bank. Typically, you can expect an average of 2-3 months for the entire process to be resolved.
Partnering with a flight compensation company could help it get resolved quicker, reducing your headache because they interface directly with Air France on your behalf. You can track the progress of your claim online, and if you have any questions about the status, you can contact customer service or your flight compensation company.
How Much Can I Expect?
The amount you can expect to receive from your claim depends on how long your flight was, and where it was located. As long as you have at least one touchpoint in the European Union, you should be covered. If not, there may be other passenger protection laws in place.
- Flights that are less than 1,500 km – €250
- Flights that are more than 1,500 km and within the EU – €400
- Flights that are between 1,500 km and 3,500 km that are non-internal to the EU: €400
- Flights that are more than 3,500 and non-internal to the EU: €600
Check just how much you are entitled to using a claim checker. Keep in mind that these amounts are per passenger, so if you are traveling with multiple people, it’s important to file for all.
What Qualifies Me for a Claim?
Not all flights are covered under EC 261. You must face an issue that was within Air France’s control in order to qualify for additional compensation. This could be a scheduling error, denied boarding due to overbooking, and more.
- Flights that are delayed more than two hours.
- Flights that are canceled less than 14 hours before your departure.
- Involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking.
If any of these happen, you want to ensure that you are eligible using the claim checker. Once you confirm, you should gather your documentation and fill out an EC 261 form. You can do so online or by downloading this form.
Once everything is filled out, you need to file your claim directly with Air France or by working with a flight compensation company. They may take a fee off your winnings, but working with them can increase your odds of a speedy settlement. You can check your status and file an appeal with them as well.
Conclusion
Air France can take anywhere between 30 to 90 days to answer your claim and get you compensation, and the amount of time can vary based on the volume of requests. You can also partner with a flight compensation company to help ensure you get fairly compensated for your troubles.
