SHY Regulation: What US Passengers Need to Know

If you’re flying to, from, or within Türkiye, your air passenger rights are protected under a special set of rules called the SHY Regulation (also referred to as SHY-Yolcu). These rules are designed to ensure fair treatment in cases of flight disruptions. 

Imagine your flight gets delayed by 3+ hours due to technical issues, or you get informed that the flight has been canceled last minute. These are only a couple of the common cases where passengers can claim compensation from an airline. Find out which flights and scenarios are eligible and how much cash compensation you can claim when your travel plans get disrupted. 

What’s SHY Regulation Türkiye?

The SHY Regulation is Türkiye’s national air passenger rights law, enforced by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In many ways, it resembles the EU’s Regulation EC 261/2004, but it only applies to: 

• All flights departing from Türkiye (regardless of the airline)
• Flights arriving in Türkiye, if operated by a Turkish airline
• Domestic flights within Türkiye

The regulation covers all common flight disruptions, including flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.

What are Your Rights Under the Turkish Regulation?

The SHY Regulation lays out clear rules for how airlines must treat passengers when things go wrong. This means you have specific rights, and in some cases, the airline is obligated to compensate you. Depending on the distance of the flight, you can get compensation up to $700 in cases of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Let's break down your rights. 

Flight Delays

The carrier must provide immediate assistance if your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours upon arrival at your final destination. However, the reasons must be within the airline’s control. Here is what you can expect: 

• Financial compensation (based on flight type and distance):
• Domestic flights (within Türkiye): $115
• International flights: Between $265 and $700
• Right to care—meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation, transport between the airport and hotel, and two free communications (calls or emails).
• Right to rerouting or refund—choose between continuing your journey at the earliest opportunity or getting your ticket refunded.

Flight Cancellations

Flight cancellations are a bit more complicated, and there are conditions that affect your right to compensation. If your flight is canceled and the reason is within the airline’s control, you’re entitled to:

• Refund or rerouting (your choice)—either a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket or a seat on the next available flight under similar travel conditions.
• Right to care—meals, refreshments, accommodation (if needed), airport transfers, and two free communications.
• Compensation between $265 and $700 for international flights, depending on the flight distance, and $115 for all domestic flights within Türkiye.

However, your eligibility depends on several factors connected to the time of the notification. You will be owed compensation unless the airline informs you

1. More than 14 days before departure (no compensation owed).
2. 7–14 days before departure, but offers an alternative route, departing no more than 2 hours earlier and arriving no more than 4 hours later.
3. Less than 7 days before departure, but offers an alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour earlier and arriving no more than 2 hours later.

Denied Boarding

Denied boarding, while rare, happens when you’re refused boarding against your will, despite having a confirmed booking and arriving on time. 

When this happens, you’re entitled to immediate assistance under Articles 8, 9, and 10 of the SHY Regulation. When it comes to the compensation amounts, you can expect: 

• Domestic flights: $115 (€100)
• International flights: Between $290 (€250) and $700 (€600), depending on the flight distance.

What Flights Are Eligible for Compensation Under Turkish Regulation?

The SHY Regulation Türkiye applies to certain flights where the carrier has a clear responsibility for the disruption. Eligibility depends on the departure and arrival locations and the airline’s country of registration.

The SHY Regulation applies if your flight either starts in Türkiye or is operated by a Turkish carrier and lands in Türkiye.

Compensation does not depend on your nationality, age, or travel purpose. You could be a US tourist, a student, or a Turkish citizen — your rights remain the same. As long as you have a confirmed reservation and arrive on time, you will be eligible.  

How Much Compensation Can You Claim Under SHY-Passenger Regulation?

The amount of compensation depends on flight distance and whether it’s domestic or international. But generally, you can get between $265 and $700 for international flights and up to $100 for flights within Türkiye.

All compensation amounts are fixed in euros (€), but you can see the equivalent values in US dollars ($) below.

What Flights Aren’t Eligible for Compensation Under Turkish Regulation?

Like all laws, the SHY Regulation includes specific exceptions where you won’t receive compensation. 

Extraordinary Circumstances

Airlines aren't required to pay compensation if the disruption was caused by events outside their control, called extraordinary circumstances:

• Bad weather conditions (heavy snow, storms, volcanic ash)
• Political instability or security risks
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Medical emergencies on board
• Bird strikes or sabotage

Nevertheless, the airline must still provide care and assistance in these scenarios.

Other Non-Compensable Situations

• You voluntarily give up your seat in exchange for benefits.
• You fail to check in on time or have invalid travel documents.
• You are informed of the cancellation or schedule change well in advance.
• Disruption occurs on a non-eligible flight (e.g., an international flight to Türkiye operated by a non-Turkish airline).

Other Rights Under Turkish Law

The SHY Regulation Türkiye doesn’t just deal with cash payouts. It also guarantees specific rights and additional protections. 

Right to Care

Under Turkish law, the Right to Care ensures that airlines provide assistance depending on the length of the delay and the flight distance.

Right to Refund or Replacement Flight

If a flight disruption makes continuing your trip meaningless, Turkish law gives you a choice between:

• Full refund of the unused ticket portion within 7 days.
• Replacement flight at the earliest opportunity under similar conditions.
• Rerouting at a later date chosen by you, depending on seat availability.

Right to Compensation in Case of Downgrade

The SHY Regulation obliges airlines to refund a part of the ticket price if you get downgraded to a lower class than the one you paid for. The refund percentage depends on the flight distance.

Additional Rights for Passengers with Reduced Mobility or Special Needs

Turkish law requires airlines to prioritize and assist:

• Passengers with reduced mobility
• People with medical conditions
• Unaccompanied minors
• Elderly passengers

These travelers are entitled to special assistance at check-in, boarding, and deplaning, as well as priority for meals, accommodation, and rerouting during disruptions.

Does the Airline Need to Notify You About the Disruption Under Turkish Law?

The SHY Regulation requires airlines to display the following official message at the gate (in both Turkish and English) whenever there’s a major disruption. 

“If you are denied boarding, your flight is canceled or delayed by at least two hours, please request a text stating your rights regarding the services you will receive from the check-in counter or the boarding gate.”

How to Claim Turkish Flight Compensation?

Claiming compensation under the SHY Regulation in Türkiye will be easier if you follow a structured process. Here’s a 3-step guide:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Make sure your flight qualifies under SHY-Yolcu rules: delayed 3+ hours, canceled, or you were denied boarding.

2. Gather Evidence

Keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any correspondence from the airline. Save receipts for any extra expenses, and get written proof from the airline about the reason for the delay or cancellation.

3. Submit Your Claim Through SkyRefund

Visit SkyRefund and submit your compensation claim in minutes. Provide all available information about your flight, and our experts will reach out to you. 

How Can SkyRefund Help?

SkyRefund specializes in helping passengers get the compensation they are entitled to under SHY Regulation (SHY Yolcu). With more than 8 years of legal experience and over 1M passengers claimed, we handle everything for you.

From preparing all necessary documentation to negotiating directly with the airline or even defending you in court, SkyRefund turns frustration into compensation. 

Our team makes sure you don’t miss deadlines, don’t get underpaid, and don’t waste time dealing with complicated airline bureaucracy. Submit your claim for compensation today!