How to Claim American Airlines Compensation?

How to claim American Airlines compensation?

How to claim flight delay compensation from American Airlines?

It depends on your specific situation. In some cases, you have a choice: handle the claim yourself or seek assistance from a firm specializing in flight compensation. And, there may be instances where handling the claim on your own is the only viable option. It’s crucial to understand the distinction between compensation and refund, as they are not interchangeable.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for compensation, a refund, or both.

How to Claim American Airlines Compensation?

How to claim American Airlines compensation for a disrupted flight?

The procedure to secure compensation can differ based on the type of compensation you seek. Here are some of the frequently encountered scenarios:

1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: American Airlines

Be aware that mechanical problems with the aeroplane and staff strikes are the airline’s responsibility, not extraordinary circumstances.

1.1 Long Flight Delay

The requirements to secure flight delay compensation from American Airlines are as follows:

• The delay must have lasted 3 or more hours (calculated upon arrival);
• The delay must be due to the airline’s fault;
• The flight must be from Europe.

To submit a compensation claim with American Airlines, it’s recommended to contact their customer service centre through their website and complete a claim form. Be sure to reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 in your correspondence.

Alternatively, you can file a claim with experts.

Read more:

• American Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
• Your American Airlines Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?

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

How to claim American Airlines compensation for a cancelled flight?

To secure compensation from American Airlines, these requirements should be fulfilled:

• It must be a last-minute cancellation (up to 14 days prior);
• The cancellation is due to American Airlines’ fault (not due to adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances);
• The flight is from Europe.

You can contact the American Airlines customer service centre through their website to submit a claim. Be sure to mention Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, reminding them of your rights can help to avoid claim refusal by the airline.

Alternatively, file a claim with experts.

Read more:

• American Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
• Your American Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do Next?

1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking

The particular qualifications to receive denied boarding reimbursement are:

• It must be an involuntary boarding denial due to overbooking;
• It must be due to the airline’s fault, not issues with your documents like passport or visa;
• The flight must be from Europe.

It’s essential to note that travellers without the required travel documents, like valid visas, aren’t eligible for denied boarding compensation. Passengers who willingly accept alternative options, such as a later flight, might not qualify for compensation either.

How to claim denied boarding compensation?

You can contact American Airlines’ customer service centre via their website.

Remember to reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

You also have the option to file a claim with professionals.

Read more: American Airlines Denied Boarding Compensation

1.4 Missed Connection Flight

If you’ve missed a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations of your initial flight, which resulted in you arriving at your final destination 3 or more hours late, you may be eligible for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

But, this is only applicable if:

• The delay is the responsibility of American Airlines, not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., adverse weather or pandemics);
• The flight is departing from Europe.

To claim compensation from American Airlines, connect with their customer service centre through their website, and make sure to reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

Our partners can also assist you in filing your claim. Details below.

Read more: American Airlines Missed Connection Compensation

1.5 Downgrading

If you’re involuntarily downgraded on your flight, you have the right to compensation from the airline. The reimbursement amount is based on the distance of your flight and can vary from 30% to 75% of the ticket price. The airline is expected to pay you this compensation immediately.

If they don’t adhere to this, you should reach out to American Airlines and lodge your claim. Understand that you’re not forced to accept any vouchers or coupons given by the airline. If you encounter any issues, refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.

Read more: American Airlines Flight Downgrade 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.

2. Baggage Compensation

How to claim American Airlines compensation for problems with your luggage?

If you’re having trouble with your bags, you have two options.

You either ask your insurer to lay the claim, or you can lodge a claim directly on American Airlines’ official website. Remember though, that baggage claims are usually not attended to by airline compensation service providers.

2.1 Damaged Baggage

Is your luggage damaged? Here’s your course of action.

Follow these steps:

1. Register a damage report at the airport within 7 days after collecting your luggage;
2. Provide the necessary details;
3. Make a claim;
4. Be prepared to receive compensation of up to €1300.

Read more: American Airlines Damaged Baggage Compensation

2.2 Delayed Baggage

Does your luggage arrive late?

Follow these steps:

1. File a missing bag report at the airport;
2. Get hold of the Property Irregularity Report or PIR which will have a unique reference number;
3. Keep a tab on your luggage’s status online using your reference number;
4. Receive your expenses (essential items that you had to buy due to the delay).

Read more: American Airlines Delayed Baggage Compensation

2.3 Lost Baggage

There are times when your luggage might not arrive at all.

If this happens, follow these instructions:

1. Report the loss of your bag at the airport;
2. Get hold of the Property Irregularity Report with a unique reference number;
3. Monitor your bag’s status online, using your reference number;
4. If your bag remains untraceable after 21 days, submit a list of items that were in your bag, to receive compensation of up to €1300;
5. Apart from the compensation, you can also claim for any additional expenses.

Read more: American Airlines Lost Baggage Compensation

3. American Airlines Refund For Cancellation

If your journey with American Airlines stands cancelled, you can opt for a refund of the ticket cost. Depending on the circumstances, you might qualify for compensation too. To lay your claim for refund or compensation, it’s important to get in touch with American Airlines as soon as possible. If necessary, follow up after a few weeks.

You can find more about this process in the linked article.

Read more: American Airlines Refund For Cancellation

As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.

3.1 What If You Cancel an American Airlines Flight?

If you plan on cancelling an American Airlines flight, the refund process is fairly straightforward.

To begin, cancel your booking either online through the American Airlines website or by contacting their customer service. After cancellation, submit a refund request. The amount of the refund will be determined by the fare conditions of your ticket.

However, bear in mind that not all tickets are refundable. If you opted for a non-refundable ticket, chances are you might not get a refund, or you might be slapped with hefty cancellation charges. It’s therefore crucial to be well-versed with the fare rules before purchasing a ticket.

Remember, while a refund might be due to you, you won’t get compensated for cancelling the flight yourself. Compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 is applicable only when the airline cancels the flight, not the passenger.

To summarize, while you might get a refund for your ticket based on the fare rules, you are not eligible for compensation for flights cancelled on your own accord.

Decline American Airlines Vouchers

When you are due for European flight compensation or a refund from American Airlines, remember that you are under no obligation to accept American Airlines vouchers instead of compensation. You reserve the right to ask for a cash refund.

When contacting American Airlines customer service, it is important to reference Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and clearly state your preference for cash compensation instead of vouchers. If the representative does not offer a cash refund, kindly request to speak with their supervisor or manager.

Yes, you have the right to receive your compensation or refund from American Airlines without being coerced to accept vouchers instead of payment.

As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.

Seeking American Airlines Flight Compensation Independently

How to claim American Airlines compensation on your own?

To claim compensation from American Airlines on your own, you need resilience and a comprehensive understanding of your rights as a passenger. Airlines may try to avoid their responsibility by exaggerating issues or labelling technical difficulties as extraordinary events (please note that mechanical problems do not count as extraordinary events). They might also offer vouchers instead of cash compensation.

These are not exclusive to American Airlines; they’re widespread among airlines around the world.

Step by step:

1. Verify your entitlement to claim. Examine whether your specific situation, under EC Regulation No. 261/2004, qualifies you for flight compensation or a refund. Remember, American Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, European regulations apply solely to their flights departing from Europe.
2. Preserve all relevant paperwork. These include boarding passes, tickets, receipts, and any other evidence of your flight and expenses.
3. Contact American Airlines. Submit your claim directly to the customer service department of American Airlines. You can do this via email, phone, or their website.
4. Maintain your resolve. If the initial response does not meet your expectations, stay firm. Continue to engage with the airline and insist on your right to compensation.
5. Refuse vouchers. You have a right to monetary compensation. Do not accept vouchers if they are offered.
6. Escalate if necessary. If the airline refuses to provide compensation, you may have to escalate your complaint to a National Enforcement Body or contemplate legal action.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate through the process of claiming flight compensation independently. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this can be a complex process, and professional help is available if needed.

Legal Proceedings – American Airlines

If American Airlines rejects your compensation claim, you might need to consider bringing a lawsuit against them. However, you can escalate your complaint to the NEB before considering the court as an option, which could potentially save you from court proceedings. A favourable decision from the NEB can strengthen your position and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome, even if the airline continues to reject the compensation claim.

If, despite all your efforts, the airline insists on denying the compensation, taking legal action against American Airlines could be your next move. This should be considered as a last resort after exhausting all other channels for dialogue and escalation. Remember, legal actions can be demanding, both financially and time-wise.

Therefore, it is essential to be well-prepared and fully aware of the implications. However, if your claim is valid under EC Regulation No. 261/2004 and you have the necessary evidence to support it, going to court could indeed be your next course of action.

What is your experience with American Airlines compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from American Airlines? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.