Icelandair Flight Delay Compensation

Have you ever experienced a flight delay while traveling with Icelandair? Flight delays can be frustrating, causing inconvenience and disrupting your travel plans. However, the good news is that you may be entitled to Icelandair Flight Delay Compensation for the inconvenience caused by the delay. Not just that, the airline offers you compensation for flight cancellations as well as for denied boarding. 

In this article, we will guide you through the process of claiming compensation for Icelandair flight delays, ensuring you understand your rights and how to proceed with your claim.

What to do when your flight is delayed?

When your Icelandair flight experiences a delay of five hours or more, and rescheduling isn’t an option, you have the freedom to cancel your booking and request a refund for any unused segments of your ticket.

Right to Care – Once your flight is delayed according to the criteria below, Icelandair will provide you with meals and/or drinks. 

Delay Length	Entitlement
Flights up to 1500 km	Delay of 2 hours or more
EU flights: 1500-3500 km	Delay of 3 hours or more
All other flights	Delay of 4 hours or more

Passengers are also entitled to 2 phone calls. 

When your flight is delayed overnight, and going back home isn’t feasible, Icelandair understands your need for accommodation. They’ve got you covered! Just reach out to the agents at the airport, and they will provide you with hotel vouchers, ensuring you get a comfortable night’s rest.

Situation	Entitlement
Delayed overnight	Entitled to accommodation
Unable to issue hotel vouchers	Retain receipts for reimbursement
Transportation from airport	Entitled to transportation between the two

Right to compensation – Passengers who Icelandair operated flight delayed for 3 hours or more, they are entitled to the following compensation – 

Flight Distance	Delay Duration	Compensation Amount
1,500km or less	3 hours or more	EUR 250
1,500km – 3,500km	3 hours or more	EUR 400
More than 3,500km	3 hours or more	EUR 300
More than 3,500km	4 hours or more	EUR 600

What to do when your flight is canceled?

When your Icelandair flight gets canceled and you prefer not to rebook, you have the right to a refund. Icelandair allows you to claim a full refund for any parts of your ticket that you didn’t use.

The airline offers you the following under Icelandair canceled flight circumstances – 

• Reroute – In the event of a flight cancellation, you have the option to request an alternative travel arrangement to your final destination on the next available Icelandair flight. 

• Right To Care – While you wait for your alternative flight(s), Icelandair provides you

• Meals and/or drinks:
• Accommodation
• Airport Transfer

• Right to compensation – If your flight is canceled with less than 14 days’ notice, you may be eligible for Icelandair canceled flight compensation. The amount of compensation varies based on the length of your journey as the overview is given below – 

Flight Distance	Compensation Amount
1,500km or less	EUR 250
1,500km – 3,500km	EUR 400
More than 3,500km	EUR 300
More than 3,500km	EUR 600

Extraordinary circumstances – In certain situations, passengers may not be eligible for compensation when their flight is canceled or delayed. Let’s explore some examples and understand their impact on compensation claims.

• Weather conditions – No compensation is provided if the cancellation or delay is due to severe weather conditions that make it unsafe or impossible to operate the flight.

• Strikes affecting operations – If the cancellation or delay is a result of strikes by airline employees or other relevant parties, compensation may not be applicable. 

• Political instability – Compensation is not granted if the cancellation or delay is caused by political unrest, civil unrest, or other similar situations that pose risks to the safety of passengers and crew.

• Air traffic management decisions – When air traffic control authorities make decisions that affect flight operations, resulting in cancellations or delays, compensation claims may not be valid.

What to do Icelandair denies boarding to the passenger?

If you are denied boarding and prefer not to accept an alternate flight, you have the option to claim a refund on the unused flight segment. 

Passengers are entitled to the following rights – 

• When denied boarding, you have the right to request alternative travel arrangements on the next available Icelandair flight to your final destination. Below is the overview – 

Scenario	Entitlement
Denied boarding due to non-compliance	No entitlement to compensation
Denied boarding due to flight cancellation	Compensation may not be applicable
Denied boarding due to aircraft substitution	Compensation may not be applicable
Offered alternative seating with no extra charge	Compensation may not be applicable
Alternative flight(s) within one hour	Compensation may not be applicable

• Right to compensation – Passengers who are denied boarding are entitled to the following compensation – 

Delay Duration	Involuntary Compensation
1-4 hours	200% of remaining flight coupons’ value to next stopover, not exceeding $650
4+ hours	400% of remaining flight coupons’ value to next stopover, not exceeding $1,300

How to claim compensation with Icelandair?

Now that you understand the eligibility criteria for compensation, let’s explore the steps you can take to claim what you’re entitled to.

• Start by collecting all the necessary information regarding your delayed flight.
• Before initiating the claim process, familiarize yourself with Icelandair Flight Delay Compensation Policy. 
• Visit the official website of Icelandair or contact their customer service to gather information on how they handle flight delay compensation claims.
• Ensure that you provide accurate and detailed information regarding your flight, the delay, and your contact details. 
• Attach any supporting documents, such as boarding passes or receipts, to strengthen your claim.
• After submitting your claim, it’s crucial to stay proactive and follow up with the airline if needed.

By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the necessary steps, you can claim the compensation you deserve. Remember to gather all relevant information, familiarize yourself with Icelandair Flight Delay Compensation Policy, submit a detailed claim, and maintain open communication throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions