Did You Know You Can Claim Up To S$905 If Your SQ Flight Is Delayed By 3 Hours Or More?

We get it. Being stuck at the airport or in a stuffy plane because of a flight delay ruins any holiday.

But here is something some travellers might not know. You can claim compensation when your flight gets delayed.

This was highlighted by a Singaporean traveller, Terence Koh, who shared on IG that his flight from Paris to Singapore on Singapore Airlines (SQ) was originally scheduled to depart at 11.15am. However, the plane only took off over five hours later at 4.30pm.

Instead of stewing in frustration, Terence, who's a lawyer, reminded his followers about their rights.

“Just to let you guys know that under EU law, passengers in any class are entitled to compensation of 600 euros (S$905.86) for any technical delays on long-haul flights exceeding three hours. You will have to email the airline to seek compensation,” he wrote.

Terence, who was travelling with his girlfriend, Singapore socialite Jamie Chua, also reminded his followers, “They are not Santa Claus and will act blur. So, you really need to be proactive and assert your rights!”

Under EU regulations, air travellers within EU are entitled to compensation if they arrive more than three hours late, as long as the delay is the airline's fault. 

The amount of compensation varies based on the flight distance, ranging from 250 euros (S$377.43) to 600 euros (S$905.86). 

According to SQ’s website, passengers travelling from an airport located in an EU member state whose flights are delayed on arrival by three hours or more, may also be entitled to compensation in the following amounts:

• €250 (S$377.43) for those flights of 1,500km or less;
• €400 (S$603.89) for intra-Community flights in excess of 1,500km or all other flights between 1,500km and 3,500km; or 
• €600 (S$905.84) for those flights in excess of 3,500km. 

Meals and refreshments will also be provided during delays.

Now, there are a few caveats to note.

If the delay was due to “extraordinary circumstances” like bad weather, political instability, medical emergencies, or strikes, airlines don’t have to pay.

SQ also provides flight delay compensation for flights originating from few other countries, including Thailand and Vietnam.

Guess being patient pays off… but at least you now know being informed pays even better.