Air France flight compensation for infants and children.
Do infants get flight delay compensation and flight cancellation compensation?
Yes. Infants are entitled to flight compensation. Even if your infant is travelling without a designated seat (on your lap), they are qualified with the same rights to compensation as you do. If your flight is disrupted due to the airline’s responsibility while travelling with a child of any age, both you and your child are eligible for compensation. The law protects all passengers equally, and the amounts for flight compensation remain consistent for everyone.
Continue reading to learn about the air passenger rights that apply to your family.
1. Air France Flight Compensation for Infants and Children: EU Regulations
When considering Air France flight compensation for infants and children, your baby or child qualifies for compensation if your flight faces delays or cancellations caused by the airline’s responsibility. This also includes cases of denied boarding due to overbooking.
Your child is entitled to up to 600 euros, no matter their age.
Your child can receive the same compensation amount as you.
This applies even if your infant is travelling without an assigned seat, as they share the same rights as adult passengers. When flying with European carriers, including Air France, every passenger is protected.
Why are lap infants entitled to compensation? Because this is the regulation in Europe. If you have paid any fee for your child’s airfare and their flight encountered a significant delay or cancellation, they are entitled to compensation from the airline. Even if it only covers part of a full fare ticket, compensation should be given in full when it’s due.
Children, babies, and lap infants receive the same compensation amount as adults.
1.1 What Types of Air France Compensation Are Children Entitled To?
Children are entitled to the same compensation as adults.
In Europe, there are three primary types of compensation:
- Flight delay compensation – if your flight is delayed by 3+ hours due to the airline’s responsibility;
- Flight cancellation compensation – if your flight is cancelled 0-14 days before departure due to the airline’s responsibility;
- Denied boarding compensation – if you are denied boarding involuntarily due to overbooking.
To discover more about these types of compensation, click on the links provided.
In all scenarios, you can claim up to 600 euros per passenger.
Your child is also entitled to receive up to 600 euros.
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.
2. How to Claim Air France Compensation for a Baby?
There are two methods to claim Air France flight compensation for infants and children.
To pursue flight compensation, you have two choices: contact the airline directly or select a flight compensation service. The latter is typically the easier option.
When seeking compensation for a baby or child, use the same process as you would for an adult. While travelling with your family, one person can claim on behalf of everyone. The great thing is that this person doesn’t have to be one of the passengers.
- When contacting Air France directly, ensure you have all your documents ready. Be prepared to provide a clear explanation of the circumstances and explain why you believe you qualify for compensation. Airlines may attempt to deny your claim or minimize your rightful compensation, so it’s important to assert your entitlements and continue pursuing what is owed to you.
- Alternatively, a flight compensation service can alleviate the hassle by handling all communications with the airline on your behalf. We recommend considering compensation through a flight compensation service.
2.1 How Long Does It Take to Receive Flight Compensation from Air France?
Typically, this process takes a minimum of 2-3 months.
If it becomes necessary to escalate the matter to a national enforcement authority or court, the timeline may increase by at least a few additional months, potentially extending to 6 months or more. Numerous individuals opt to seek assistance from flight compensation firms rather than directly from the airline, primarily due to these extended wait periods.
3. Air France Flight Compensation Amount for Babies and Adults
Air France flight compensation for infants and children is the same as that for adults – €250, €400, or €600, depending on the distance of the flight.
How much is flight compensation? Here are the amounts:
- €250 for distances up to 1,500 km
- €400 for distances between 1,500 – 3,500 km
- €600 for distances over 3,500 km
The compensation applies to each individual. If you are a family of four flying together on the same flight, every member is entitled to receive the same compensation amount.
3.1 Air France Voucher as Compensation. Can You Request Monetary Compensation?
As an alternative to cash compensation, you and your family might receive a voucher.
It’s important to note that you are under no obligation to accept vouchers or coupons unless that is your preferred option. Generally, in the EU and UK, airlines are required to offer compensation and refunds in cash or through bank transfer.
4. Extraordinary Circumstances: Can Your Baby Get Compensation from Air France?
There are instances when you and your child may not qualify for compensation.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to severe weather or security issues, you won’t receive EU flight compensation from Air France. In the case of airport strikes, it’s important to remember that not all strikes are classified the same. If the strike involves Air France staff, then it falls under their responsibility and is considered their fault. However, a strike involving airport staff is deemed an extraordinary circumstance.
Moreover, keep in mind that airlines do not always offer full transparency.
When uncertain, double-check the information provided.
For example, technical issues with the aircraft are generally not regarded as extraordinary unless there is an undisclosed manufacturing defect. If your flight is delayed or cancelled for technical reasons, you are entitled to request compensation. Alternatively, you can seek assistance from a flight compensation firm to ensure you’re receiving accurate guidance. These companies can evaluate your flight details and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Just complete our claim form, and our partners will manage the process for you.
5. Right to Care for Babies and Children
Just like adults, infants and children have a right to care.
If you and your children happen to get stranded at the airport, there are regulations designed to assist. EC Regulation 261/2004 includes protections for passengers facing long delays, unexpected cancellations, and denied boarding.
Airlines must offer care services if your wait time exceeds three hours in the airport terminal.
If your Air France flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, the airline is obligated to provide you with complimentary meals and beverages depending on the length of your wait. Should you need to stay overnight, Air France must arrange free accommodation and complimentary transportation to and from that location.
The entire family is entitled to meals and complimentary hotel accommodation.
Do you have further inquiries regarding Air France flight compensation for infants and children? Feel free to ask in the comments.
Featured photo by Wemerson Santana from Pexels