Passenger Compensation Claims

Does this apply to non-EU airlines flying from Georgia?

Yes, Georgian regulations cover all flights departing from Georgian airports, regardless of the airline's nationality, and flights arriving in Georgia operated by Georgian or EU carriers.

What if the delay was caused by a strike?

If the strike involves the airline's own staff, compensation is usually payable. If it's an airport staff strike (e.g., ATC), it is considered an extraordinary circumstance.

Can I claim expenses for food and hotel?

Absolutely. If the airline did not provide vouchers during the delay, keep your receipts. You are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses for meals and accommodation.

How much does it cost to use a lawyer?

Many specialists on Legal.ge work on a "no win, no fee" basis or offer fixed-fee claim handling. You should check the specific terms with the lawyer.

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Air travel is an integral part of modern life, but it is often associated with unforeseen obstacles such as flight cancellations, delays, or denied boarding. Passenger Compensation Claims are a legal mechanism that allows consumers to restore violated rights and receive financial reimbursement from the airline for failure to fulfill contract terms. In Georgia, which is aligned with the European Aviation Area, passenger rights are protected by high standards, yet realizing these rights often requires qualified legal intervention, as airlines frequently attempt to avoid liability using various legal loopholes.

What does Passenger Compensation service cover?

Legal services in this field are not limited to delayed flights; they cover a wide range of claims that may arise at any stage of air transport. Specialists work in the following areas:

  • Monetary Compensation: Claiming compensation ranging from 250 to 600 EUR in cases of flight cancellation, long delay (more than 3 hours), or denied boarding.
  • Ticket Reimbursement: Claiming a full refund of the ticket cost in case of flight cancellation or a delay of more than 5 hours if the passenger chooses not to continue the journey.
  • Downgrading: Claiming compensation if the airline moves a passenger from business class to economy class (reimbursement of 30% to 75% of the ticket price).
  • Failure to Provide Care: Reimbursement of expenses if the airline failed to provide the passenger with food, drinks, or hotel accommodation during the waiting period.
  • Moral Damages: In special cases where the airline's actions caused significant stress or health deterioration, claiming additional compensation based on the Civil Code.

Common Situations and Needs

Passengers often face situations where lawyer assistance is essential:

  • "Extraordinary Circumstances" Excuse: The airline refuses compensation, citing "technical faults" as extraordinary circumstances. A lawyer knows that court practice rarely considers technical faults as a liability-excluding circumstance.
  • Missed Connection: A passenger bought a single ticket Tbilisi-Munich-New York, missed the second flight due to a delay from Tbilisi, and arrived at the destination 6 hours late.
  • Overbooking: The airline sold more tickets than seats available and forcibly denied boarding to the passenger, offering only a voucher instead of compensation.
  • Minor's Rights: Refusal to pay compensation for a child on the grounds that they did not pay the full ticket price (which is often illegal).

Georgian Legislation and Regulations

In Georgia, passenger rights are regulated by the Air Code of Georgia and the Montreal Convention ("Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air"). The most important act is the Order of the Director of the Civil Aviation Agency on "Protection of Passenger Rights in Air Carriage," which is analogous to EU Regulation 261/2004. This legal framework establishes strict obligations for airlines and defines fixed compensation amounts. Additionally, general damage compensation is regulated by the Civil Code of Georgia, which allows passengers to claim damages not covered by standard compensation.

Service Process

Cooperation with specialists on Legal.ge involves:

  1. Free Assessment: Determining whether the passenger is eligible for compensation based on flight data (number, date).
  2. Evidence Collection: Mobilizing tickets, boarding passes, certificates issued at the airport, and receipts confirming expenses.
  3. Legal Letter: Sending an official claim to the airline referencing relevant legal norms.
  4. Negotiation/Complaint: In case of refusal, escalating the case to the Civil Aviation Agency or disputing with the airline's lawyers.
  5. Receiving Funds: Transferring the compensation to the passenger's account.

Why Legal.ge?

Claiming compensation independently often ends without result, as airlines ignore individual complaints or offer unfavorable vouchers. On Legal.ge, you will find experienced lawyers who know airline tactics and have a history of successful cases. Through our platform, you increase your chances of receiving compensation and save time and nerves. Trust professionals and get what rightfully belongs to you by law.

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