Complete guide to getting a flight refund with Air Montenegro
When traveling with Air Montenegro, it is important for passengers to know their rights in the event of unforeseen circumstances, particularly in the event of delays. If a flight is delayed by two hours or more, the airline has certain obligations towards its passengers. It should provide snacks to alleviate immediate discomfort, a prepaid phone card to allow travelers to communicate with loved ones or manage their travel arrangements, and, if the delay requires a prolonged wait, accommodation can be provided to ensure their comfort.
In addition, if the delay extends to five hours or more, the Montenegro company offers the possibility of a refund, which can be total or partial, of the price of the plane ticket.
Assert your other rights: Obtain compensation
Many travelers using Montenegro Airlines are not always aware of an essential right granted to them: fixed compensation. This right is defined by Directive 261/2004 EC of the European Union, and it is designed to protect passengers in the event of situations such as considerable delays, flight cancellations, or overbooking situations. Despite its significant importance, this right remains largely unknown to many travelers, which can deprive them of legitimate compensation when they encounter inconveniences during their trip. It is therefore essential that passengers take the time to find out about this fixed remuneration, in order to be able to adequately assert their rights in the event of disruption on a flight of a Montenegrin airline or any other airline under the jurisdiction of the EU.
Compensation scale: Calculate your due
In accordance with European directives, in particular Regulation EU 261/2004, a specific scale has been put in place to assess the compensation granted to air passengers who are victims of flight disruptions. This scale is a key tool for assessing the amount of remuneration owed to the travelers concerned:
In the case of short-distance flights, i.e. less than 1,500 kilometers, the scale provides for compensation of 250 euros.
For long-distance flights, exceeding 3,500 kilometers, the compensation increases to 600 euros.
If then the connection is carried out over an average distance (between 1500km and 3500km), the compensation awarded to the passenger is then limited to 400 euros.
Understanding passenger rights in the event of force majeure
It is important to understand that your rights to compensation may be affected if the airline justifies the disruption as an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ including events which could not be avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Here are some examples :
Major weather disruptions: Such as storms or dense fog, which prevent the flight from taking place safely.
Security issues: Like bomb threats or political crisis situations.
Strikes: Unexpected strikes by airport staff or air traffic controllers that affect flight operations.
Medical Emergencies: Emergency situations involving passengers or crew, requiring an emergency landing or change of flight plan.
Air traffic restrictions: Limitations imposed by air traffic control for security or traffic organization reasons.
Compensation claim from Air Montenegro: Much more complex than a reimbursement request
When it comes to claiming compensation, many passengers tend to think that the process is similar to simply requesting a ticket refund, but this perception is wrong. In reality, the compensation procedure is much more complex and involves several obstacles. Here are some key points to consider:
Negotiations with the airline: Air carriers may be reluctant to grant compensation and may require rigorous negotiations or follow-ups.
Possibility of refusal: Companies may refuse claims based on extraordinary circumstances or other justifications.
The intervention of professionals can change the situation
The intervention of experts specializing in the field of airline compensation claims can significantly transform the course of events for affected passengers. These experts, with extensive knowledge of air law, are able to navigate the complexities and legal intricacies that surround the claims process.
Their expertise is not limited to an understanding of the laws; it extends to the ability to negotiate effectively with airline operators. Often, they are better prepared to respond to requests made by legal professionals, who are familiar with the proper procedures and relevant legal arguments.
In addition, specialist aviation lawyers can quickly identify the strengths and weaknesses of a claim, advise passengers on the best course of action and ensure that all necessary steps are taken within the appropriate time frame.
File processing without initial fees
The remuneration model for these lawyers is based on the success and outcome of the claim. In this system, passengers are not required to pay fees to these experts until the compensation is actually received.