Your American Airlines compensation claim is denied.
Having your American Airlines compensation claim rejected can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re navigating the process alone and are unsure about your eligibility. So, what’s the next step? Is it worth the hassle? Absolutely. Consider transferring your claim to a flight reimbursement company to handle it on your behalf. But remember, that it’s not the only option – you can keep on fighting for your rights on your own.
Your American Airlines Compensation Claim Has Been Rejected. What’s the Next Step?
Your American Airlines compensation claim is denied. What should you do now?
Don’t worry – there are alternative ways to secure compensation from American Airlines.
Before you go any further, it’s crucial to revisit your knowledge of the law. See the Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 to clarify your entitlement to flight compensation. These EU rules only apply to American Airlines flights that depart from the EU and the UK since the airline is not based in Europe.
As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
1. Teaming Up With Flight Compensation Companies
The easiest option is to team up with a flight compensation company.
The process entails completing an online claim form, and providing them with copies of your boarding pass and passport. The company will manage the rest, eliminating any more concerns. You no longer have to communicate with American Airlines.
If there are any other questions that only you can answer, the flight compensation company will contact you. The main downside of this approach is the service fees. Most flight compensation companies charge approximately 25-45% of the compensation.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
What is the cost involved?
Typically, the fees represent about 25 to 45 per cent of the compensation. The rest is transferred to you. Most companies work under the no win no fee agreement, meaning that you don’t have to pay unless they get you a compensation. Make sure to double-check this before agreeing to anything.
Read more:
- How to Claim American Airlines Compensation?
- Your American Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do Next?
2. Contacting the NEB of the Country Your Flight Took Off From
Working in conjunction with a flight compensation company isn’t the only avenue.
Contacting the NEB (National Enforcement Bodies) is the next step if your independent effort to connect with the airline has ended in rejection or silence. This service is offered free of charge. However, it’s not as straightforward as working with a flight compensation company, and it can be a protracted process. It usually takes at least 2 months for the NEB to process your compensation claim.
The major downside here is — a positive response to your claim doesn’t guarantee you will receive compensation. American Airlines may still decline the claim.
You can find the list of National Enforcement Bodies here.
The National Enforcement Bodies assist passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight delay or cancellation, as well as enforce the regulation Regulation (EC) 261/2004 and make sure passengers are treated according to these rules.
3. Escalating Your Case to Court
Your American Airlines compensation claim is denied.
The next step involves taking your case to court.
It’s highly advisable to have a favourable verdict from the NEB in hand before moving forward. Possessing this significantly strengthens your case against the airline (American Airlines in this case).
This path may be complex, but it often yields the best results. Before going to court with your grievance, make sure your claim is legitimate. Review your rights and carefully plan your argument. Only then can you have confidence in bringing it to court. If you have received a compensation verdict from the NEB, include it in your court documents.
Bear in mind, that going to court with your complaint will involve costs.
As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Extraordinary Circumstances
Airlines often avoid giving a detailed explanation for their denials of claims.
Usually, they provide a vague explanation and stop there.
They tend to label “everything” under extraordinary circumstances.
The reason for this is straightforward: airlines don’t profit from awarding compensation, so they try to avoid it. They take advantage of passengers’ lack of awareness of their rights. Be cautious when encountering this term in the future.
According to EU regulation 261/2004, airlines are exempt from paying flight compensation when disruptions occur due to extraordinary circumstances. These circumstances encompass severe weather conditions, political and social unrest, and concealed manufacturing defects. However, it’s important to note that only hidden manufacturing defects are recognized as extraordinary circumstances. Generally, technical problems fall under the airline’s responsibility.
Additionally, bad weather is not always considered an exceptional circumstance. Sometimes, the weather is completely predictable. For instance, snow during the winter months (unless it’s an unusual occurrence). In such situations, the airline is expected to take necessary precautions to ensure the flight departs on schedule.
Find out why the flight was cancelled or delayed in the first place.
When Is It Possible To Claim Flight Compensation From American Airlines?
There are a variety of circumstances in which you may be entitled to flight compensation.
These situations include flight delays, cancellations, and instances where you’re refused to board due to an overbooked flight.
1. Flight Delays
According to EU regulation 261/2004, passengers can claim compensation if their flight arrives at the final destination with a delay of more than three hours.
The compensation sum depends on the length of the delay and the total flight distance. For example, if a flight from Brussels to London, which is a short distance of less than 1,500km, is delayed by over four hours, passengers could be eligible to receive €250 as compensation.
Read more: American Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
2. Flight Cancellations
If your flight is cancelled without at least 14 days’ notice, you may be entitled to compensation.
The amount of compensation is determined by the distance of your flight and the delay in reaching your destination. For example, if your flight from London to Los Angeles, which is a long-haul flight over 3,500 km, gets cancelled last-minute and you arrive at your final destination more than 5 hours late on a substitute flight, you may be eligible for a compensation of €600.
You also have the option to choose a full refund over a replacement flight.
Read more: American Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
3. Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking
Airlines often overbook flights in the expectation that some passengers will not show up.
If you’re denied boarding because of overbooking and did not voluntarily give up your seat, you could be eligible for denied boarding compensation.
The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance. For example, if you’re on a flight from London to Istanbul, which is considered a medium-distance flight ranging from 1,500 km to 3,500 km, and you’re denied boarding due to overbooking, arriving at your final destination more than 3 hours late, you may be eligible for €400 in compensation.
Read more: American Airlines Denied Boarding Compensation
As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Your American Airlines compensation claim is denied? Do you have a first-hand experience of denied American Airlines compensation claim? Did you take the case to NEB or court?