How to claim TAP compensation?
How to claim flight delay compensation?
When it comes to claiming compensation from TAP, the process can differ based on the specific circumstances. You have multiple options for handling your claim. You can choose to handle it independently or delegate the task to a third-party service that specializes in efficient claim management. However, in some cases, managing the claim on your own may be the only available option. Also it is essential to differentiate between compensation and refund, as they are not interchangeable.
How to Claim TAP Compensation?
If you need to claim compensation from TAP, the process will depend on what type of compensation you are entitled to. Let’s look at some of the most common situations.
1. UK/EU Flight Compensation: TAP
It is crucial to bear in mind that airlines bear the responsibility of providing compensation to passengers for specific issues. These issues include: airline staff strikes, technical problems, staffing shortages, etc.
There are instances where airlines are not obligated to compensate passengers. Compensation is not applicable if a flight is disrupted due to factors beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or other unforeseen events. These situations are referred to as extraordinary circumstances.
Now, let’s delve into each type of flight disruption for further discussion.
1.1 Long Flight Delay
Conditions for receiving TAP delayed flight compensation:
- Delay must be at least 3 hours long (calculated at the time of arrival);
- Delay must be due to the fault of TAP;
- Flight must be from/to/within Europe.
To initiate a compensation claim, contact TAP’s customer support center via their website and submit a compensation claim form. It is important to be persistent and make reference to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 during the process. Be prepared for the possibility that the airline might initially refuse to provide compensation. In such cases, you may need to engage in negotiations with the airline and provide supplementary evidence to support your claim.
Alternatively, you can choose to file a claim with a flight compensation company, which offers a convenient and straightforward approach to seeking compensation. Our partners offer such services. All you have to do is to file a compensation claim, and our partners will do the rest.
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.
Read more: TAP Flight Delay Compensation
1.2 Flight Cancellation
To get compensation from TAP, your flight must meet these requirements:
- Flight must be cancelled last-minute (0-14 days before the flight);
- Flight must be cancelled due to the fault TAP Air Portugal;
- Flight must be to/from/within Europe.
Contact TAP customer support center via their website to make a claim.
Refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. Make sure you mention your rights.
Or file a claim with our partners.
Read more: TAP Flight Cancellation Compensation
1.3 Denied Boarding / Overbooking
You can get compensation if you are denied boarding by TAP.
However, there are certain criteria that must be met:
- You must be involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking;
- It must be due to the fault of TAP, not because you don’t have a visa, or your passport has expired;
- Flight must be to/from/within Europe.
Contact TAP customer support center via their website to make a claim.
Refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. Make sure you mention your rights.
Or file a claim with our partners.
Read more: TAP Denied Boarding Compensation
1.4 Missed Connection Flight
You miss your connecting flight because your previous TAP flight was delayed or cancelled. It results in you arriving at your final destination 3 or more hours later. In this case, you may be eligible for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
To qualify for compensation, the following requirements must be met:
- The delay must be attributed to TAP’s fault and not classified as an extraordinary circumstance.
- The delay should be at least 3 hours long.
- The flight must be either departing from or arriving in Europe.
To pursue compensation from TAP, please visit their website and get in touch with their customer support center, specifically referencing Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
Or file a claim with our partners.
Read more: TAP Missed Connection Compensation
1.5 Downgrading
In the event that you experience an involuntary downgrade from your originally booked flight class, the airline is responsible for compensating you for the inconvenience caused.
The compensation amount you are entitled to will vary based on the distance of your flight and can range from 30 to 75% of the ticket cost. TAP is obligated to provide this compensation to you promptly.
If TAP fails to compensate you immediately, it is advisable to contact the airline and initiate a claim. You are not obliged to accept any vouchers or coupons offered by the airline as compensation. Should you encounter any difficulties, you can refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 to support your case.
Read more: TAP Flight Downgrade Compensation
2. Baggage Compensation
You have two options for dealing with baggage issues.
You can either let your insurance company handle it or file a claim on TAP Airlines’s website. Please note that flight compensation companies do not usually deal with baggage claims.
2.1 Damaged Baggage
If your checked baggage is damaged on a TAP flight, here’s what you can do.
- File a damage report at the airport within 7 days of receiving your bag;
- Provide necessary information;
- Get compensation of up to €1300.
Read more: TAP Damaged Baggage Compensation
2.2 Delayed Baggage
If your bag is delayed, follow this step by step guide:
- Report the delay of your bag at the airport;
- Get the Property Irregularity Report or PIR with a personal reference number;
- Track your bag’s status online, using your reference number;
- Get reimbursement for your expenses (for the essential items you had had to purchase as a result of this delay).
Read more: TAP Delayed Baggage Compensation
2.3 Lost Baggage
There are situations where baggage may not arrive at all.
If your bag is not found within 21 days, it is considered lost.
If you arrive at the airport, but your bag doesn’t, follow these steps:
- Report the loss of your bag immediately at the airport.
- Obtain a Property Irregularity Report with a unique reference number.
- Track your bag’s status online using this reference number.
- If your bag is not found after 21 days, provide a list of items you had in your bag to receive compensation of up to €1300.
- In addition to compensation, file a claim for any additional expenses incurred. You can get reimbursed for essential items such as clothing, undergarments, toiletries.
Read more: TAP Lost Baggage Compensation
3. TAP Refund For Cancellation
In the event of a flight cancellation by TAP, you have the option to request a refund for the amount you have paid.
Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for compensation as well. To initiate a claim, contact TAP directly. If necessary, follow up on your claim after a few weeks.
For further information on this process, please refer to the article linked below.
Read more: TAP Refund For Cancellation
3.1 What If You Cancel a TAP Flight?
If you choose to cancel your TAP flight, the steps to do so are fairly straightforward.
Start by cancelling your booking; this can be implemented online through the TAP website or by making a call to their customer service. Following the cancellation, a refund request has to be placed. The refund amount will mostly be determined by the rules of your ticket fare.
Please remember that not all tickets are refundable. If you have purchased a non-refundable ticket, you may not get a refund, or hefty cancellation charges may be applied. It’s vital to comprehend the fare rules before purchasing the ticket.
It’s also essential to understand that while you may be eligible for a refund, you will not receive compensation for cancelling your own flight. Compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 only applies when the flight is cancelled by the airline, not when the passenger chooses to cancel.
So, even though you may get a refund for your ticket depending on fare conditions, you cannot receive compensation for flights cancelled by you.
Do Not Agree to TAP Vouchers
When you are entitled to European flight compensation or a refund from TAP, it’s essential to know that you are not compelled to accept TAP vouchers as a form of compensation. You have the right to demand a cash refund instead.
While dealing with TAP customer service, always remember to cite Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and state unequivocally that you are not willing to accept vouchers as compensation. If the customer service representative does not offer a cash refund, request to speak to a supervisor or manager.
Indeed, you have the right to receive your compensation or refund from TAP without having to accept vouchers as payment.
Claiming TAP Flight Compensation On Your Own
If you intend to pursue TAP flight compensation on your own, it is crucial to remain persistent and have a clear understanding of your rights.
At times, airlines may try to evade payment by exaggerating the situation or falsely categorizing technical difficulties as extraordinary circumstances, which is inaccurate since technical problems do not fall under extraordinary circumstances.
The airline might even attempt to offer vouchers instead of providing actual compensation. It is important to note that this is not exclusive to TAP, as many airlines worldwide employ such tactics.
In summary, to independently claim TAP flight compensation:
- Understand if you are entitled to compensation. Using EC Regulation No. 261/2004 as a reference, evaluate if your situation warrants either flight compensation or a refund.
- Keep all relevant documents. This includes boarding passes, tickets, receipts, and any other proof of your flight and its associated costs.
- Connect with TAP. Submit your claim directly to TAP’s customer service. This could be done via email, phone, or their website.
- Be persistent. If your initial response is not satisfactory, stand your ground. Continue to follow up with the airline and stress your right to compensation.
- Reject vouchers. Remember, you are entitled to monetary compensation. Do not accept vouchers if they are proposed.
- Escalate if necessary. If the airline denies your compensation request, think about escalating the issue to a National Enforcement Body or starting a legal case.
By carrying out these steps, you can independently claim TAP compensation. Nevertheless, note that this process can be complex, and expert help is available if needed.
Read more:
- Your TAP Refund Is Taking Forever? Here’s What You Can Do!
- Your TAP Compensation Claim Is Rejected. What Now?
Court Action – TAP
In specific circumstances, resorting to legal action against the airline may become necessary.
If TAP denies your claim, you have the opportunity to appeal to NEB (National Enforcement Body). Pursuing this avenue can be advantageous, as it might help you avoid going to court. Although the ultimate outcome may not change (with the airline still refusing compensation), a favorable decision from NEB can significantly strengthen your position in court and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
What is your experience with TAP compensation claims? Have you ever received compensation from TAP? Share your experience, or questions, in the comments.
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