Fiji Airways Denied Boarding, What to do?
Did Fiji Airways deny you boarding? Don’t worry! Fiji Airways is a widely popular national airline in Fiji, and it operates international flights to more than 20 destinations. It’s known for its warm hospitality and service. However, consumers sometimes face issues like being denied boarding, but there’s no need to be stressed. Although it can get frustrating to be denied boarding, especially when you have paid for the tickets and planned everything, this is what you can do.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you should do when denied boarding by Fiji Airways:
1. Learn if Fiji Airways denied you boarding involuntarily
First of all, it’s important to know whether you were denied boarding involuntarily. Airways often ask for volunteers in case they overbook the flight. If you decline, Fiji Airways may deny you boarding involuntarily. In this case, you’re entitled to help.
2. Fiji Airways denied boarding: What can you get as compensation?
To compensate the inconvenience, Fiji Airways grants you a cash allowance or a future travel voucher.
Although compensation may depend on the type of case, an average amount of CAD 100 is given when the flight departs from Canada. Further, if it happens under UK, Canadian or European Union rules, the amount can go up to even $1000.
3. Immediate assistance at the airport
If you’re denied boarding by Fiji Airways, you get assistance at the airport in the following ways:
● They are obliged to offer re-routing or a refund for unused segments immediately.
● You’re entitled to meals, communication, refreshments, and even accommodation if the flight is delayed overnight.
● In addition, ask their staff for a written statement on why you were denied boarding. It will help you claim your compensation.
4. Be aware of extraordinary circumstances
You must remember that if Fiji Airways denied you boarding due to reasons like safety, natural calamity, documents, health or any other situation beyond their control, you may not be entitled to compensation. However, if they voluntarily denied you boarding due to an overbooked flight, then the compensation is all yours.
5. How to file the claim
While most people get scared wondering that it’s a long and complicated process, trust us, it’s not. It’s very simple process, and anyone can file the claim easily.
● First of all, ask for a cash refund or a travel voucher and a written statement at the airport as soon as you’re informed of denied boarding.
● Then, go to the Fiji Airways website and navigate to the Feedback/claim form, including receipts and other flight details.
● If you don’t get a response, keep following up through email or phone. Still, if they don’t reach out to you, you can take the help of your country’s aviation regulator.
● At last, if nothing works, you can contact flight compensation specialists like Flyrules, who operate on a “no win, no fee” policy.
6. Tips to maximize the compensation
● Do not accept vouchers easily since cash gives you more flexibility. Although airways pressurize/manipulate people to get the vouchers, it’s best to go for cash if possible.
● Make a list of all your expenses. Keep a record of all the invoices, be it for meals, transportation, accommodation, etc. It will work as proof for you to claim compensation.
● International travelers must check whether their itinerary is covered under UK, EU or Canadian passenger rules.
Final Thoughts
Although being denied boarding by Fiji Airways can make you frustrated or angry, it’s essential to think before you act. Beware of your rights and the situation, and then tackle it with confidence. A good knowledge of your rights will give you an upper hand in this. If you’re entitled to compensation, then Fiji Airways is not just obliged to give you vouchers or a refund, but also provide thorough assistance throughout. Don’t panic if they don’t respond. A fault from their side will ultimately maximize your benefit.