Extraordinary circumstances

Airlines are exempt from the obligation to pay flight compensation only in the case of extraordinary circumstances (events that are out of the control of Brussels Airlines, e.g. bad weather, terrorist attacks, etc.).

Extraordinary circumstances include:

• Inclement weather conditions (such as low visibility, snowstorms, windstorms and any extreme weather conditions.)
• Union and airport personnel strikes
• Bird strikes
• Air traffic control restrictions (including runway closures)
• Political or civil unrest
• Security risks
• Hidden manufacturing defects
• Medical emergencies (may vary from situation to situation)

For more details on the topic read our article on extraordinary circumstances.
However, if the delay or cancellation was the air carrier’s fault, you may be eligible for up to €600 flight compensation per passenger. What is more, you may claim compensation for flight disruptions that you experienced in the last 3 years.

Check my Compensation

How much compensation can I get for my delayed or cancelled Brussels Airlines flight?

Under EC 261/ 2004 the compensation amount owed to air passengers for a flight delay, cancellation or denied boarding is determined depending on the distance of the whole journey.

For Brussels Airlines flights up to 1500 km, the compensation amount is capped at €250. This amount is raised to €400 for EU flights up to 1500 km as well as for non-EU flights between 1500 and 3500 km. For long-haul Brussels Airlines flights passengers may claim up to €600 in compensation.

 

 

 

How much compensation can you claim for a Brussels Airlines flight delay?

If you arrived at your final destination with a delay of more than 3 hours and the delay was not due to extraordinary circumstances, you are entitled to:

 

 

Note the following two scenarios:

If you experience a delay on an internal EU flight, your compensation is capped at, i.e. cannot exceed €400, even if the flight distance is over 3500 km.

If the flight distance exceeds 3500 km but the delay is between 3 and 4 hours, the compensation amount could be reduced in half (meaning you will get €300 instead of €600).

 

Cancelled Brussels Airlines flight: Reimbursement and compensation

You may be eligible for compensation for a Brussels Airlines flight cancellation if:

• Brussels Airlines notified you about the cancellation less than 14 days before the scheduled departure

AND

• did not provide an alternative flight within a reasonable timeframe from the original flight;
• your flight is scheduled to depart from or arrive in an EU country;
• the airline is responsible for the disruption.

 

 

Note that in case of a cancellation, passengers can be offered a total refund instead of the alternative flight.

Brussels Airlines will not be held responsible for any cancellations that occur as a result of extraordinary circumstances (bad weather, air traffic control restrictions, etc.).

Claim Compensation

 

Claim Compensation for denied boarding on a Brussels Airlines flight

If your Brussels Airlines flight was overbooked and you were denied boarding against your will, you can get:

• a full refund of your ticket price, plus a return ticket to your original point of departure

OR

• an alternative flight to your final destination  as soon as possible or at a later convenient date.

You are eligible for compensation only if you were denied boarding against your will! Airlines usually offer benefits to volunteers willing to give up their seats. Consider such offers carefully as you may lose your right to compensation!

 

Right to care in case of a Brussels Airlines flight delay or cancellation

Food and drinks

If your flight is delayed for more than 2 hours after the original scheduled time of departure, the airline is required to inform you of your right to meals and refreshments. This is also known as the right to care. In most cases, airlines offer food vouchers to their inconvenienced passengers. You can use these at the airport restaurants and bars.

If you do not receive a food voucher, make sure you keep all receipts for food and drinks expenses. They are the only acceptable evidence of expense. Without them, you would probably be unable to receive a refund for your additional expenses.

Accommodation and transportation

Under the right to care, passengers who have suffered a flight disruption should have their accommodation costs covered. Note that this also includes all transportation costs from the airport to the hotel and back.

Sometimes the representatives of the airline may not inform you of your right to accommodation. If this is the case, you can still spend the night at a hotel and be entitled to a refund. Simply make sure that you save all receipts and the air carrier will have to pay you back.

Read our complete guide to the Right to care in case of a delayed or cancelled flight here.

 

About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is the largest airline and flag carrier of Belgium. It was created in 2007 following the merger of SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express. Based at Brussels Airport, the airline caters to business class, economy class and low-cost travellers. 

Brussels Airlines offers flights to Europe, plus mid- and long-haul flights to Africa and North America. It is a member of Star Alliance and the International Air Transport Association.

The airline's IATA code is SN. It is inherited from its predecessors, Sabena and SN Brussels Airlines.

Brussels Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group and its frequent flyer programme Miles & More. The slogan of Brussels Airlines is ′You’re in good company′.

Brussels Airlines Ranking

Brussels Airlines is certified as a 3-Star Airline in the prestigious Skytrax ranking of world airlines. The rating takes into account the quality of Brussels Airlines’ onboard products (such as seats, cleanliness, food & beverages, flight entertainment, etc.). The quality of Brussels Airlines airport as well as onboard and ground staff service is also considered. The airline is rated 4 stars for various criteria, such as its Business class on long-haul flights, its priority boarding and baggage service, the wi-fi service, the choice of wines and beverages and the food quality in the Business class lounge.