Claim Compensation from Air India

Getting your documents in order before you contact Air India can make or break your claim. Don't give them an easy reason to say no.

• Gather Your Evidence: Find everything. This includes your booking confirmation email, ticket numbers (or e-ticket numbers), baggage claim receipts, and any receipts for unexpected expenses like hotels, meals, or alternative transportation.
• Create a Timeline: Write down exactly what happened, when it happened, and where. Note the original flight number, date, and the new flight details if you were rebooked. Include names of any staff you spoke with. The details matter.
• Know Your Rights: Before you write or call, understand what you're entitled to. Are you covered by DOT rules? Did your flight originate in the EU, making you eligible for EU261? A quick search can give you the leverage you need.
• Be Specific in Your Request: Don't just say you want 'compensation'. State exactly what you want. For example: "I am requesting a full refund of $550 for the cancelled flight and reimbursement of $150 for the hotel, as per my attached receipts."
• Keep Records of Everything: Save copies of all emails, forms, and note the date, time, and agent name for every phone call. This is your proof if you need to escalate the claim.

For flights within, to, or from the United States, your rights are primarily governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). It's not as comprehensive as EU law, but it provides key protections.

• Involuntary Bumping (Denied Boarding): If you are bumped from an overbooked flight against your will, you are entitled to compensation. The amount depends on the delay in getting you to your destination and the price of your ticket, potentially up to 400% of your one-way fare.
• Tarmac Delays: For domestic flights, airlines cannot keep you on a plane on the tarmac for more than three hours without letting you deplane. For international flights, it's four hours. They must also provide food and water after two hours.
• Lost or Damaged Baggage: The DOT sets a maximum liability limit for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage on domestic flights. As of 2024, this is $3,800 per passenger. For international flights, the Montreal Convention applies, with limits around $1,700.
• Flight Cancellations & Delays: This is the tricky part. In the U.S., airlines are not required to compensate you for a delayed or cancelled flight. However, they are required to provide a refund if they cancel the flight and you choose not to travel. Many will offer vouchers or rebooking, but you can insist on a cash refund.
• When EU/UK Law Applies: If your flight departs from an airport in the European Union or the United Kingdom, you may be covered by EU261/UK261 regulations, which mandate specific compensation amounts for delays over 3 hours, cancellations, or denied boarding. This applies to Air India flights leaving places like London or Paris.

For the most detailed information, always check the official DOT Fly Rights page and Air India's own Contract of Carriage on their website.

Subject: Compensation Claim for Cancelled Flight [Your Flight Number] - [Your Booking Reference]

Dear Air India Customer Relations,

I am writing to request compensation for the cancellation of my flight, details of which are below:

• Passenger Name(s): [Your Full Name]
• Booking Reference: [Your Booking Reference Number]
• Flight Number: [Your Flight Number]
• Date: [Date of Scheduled Flight]
• Route: [e.g., New York (JFK) to Delhi (DEL)]

My flight was cancelled on [Date] with less than [Number] hours' notice. As a result of this cancellation, I incurred significant disruption and additional expenses.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, as the airline cancelled the flight, I am entitled to a full refund for the unused ticket. Furthermore, due to the lack of timely communication and assistance, I was forced to arrange the following:

• [e.g., Overnight hotel stay: $150.00]
• [e.g., Meals: $45.00]
• [e.g., Alternative transportation: $75.00]

I am hereby requesting a full refund of my ticket price of [$Amount] and reimbursement for my expenses totaling [$Amount]. The total amount claimed is [$Total Amount].

I have attached copies of my original booking confirmation, cancellation notice, and all relevant receipts for my expenses.

I expect a response and confirmation of my refund within 14 business days. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will escalate this matter by filing a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

So, Air India said no or just isn't responding. Don't give up. You still have powerful options to escalate your claim.

1. File a Complaint with the DOT: This should be your first move. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is the federal regulator for airlines. Filing a complaint is free and can be done online. The DOT forwards your complaint to the airline, and they are required to respond to both you and the DOT. This often gets results when direct contact fails.
2. Initiate a Credit Card Chargeback: If you paid by credit card for a service that wasn't provided (like a cancelled flight), you can dispute the charge with your credit card company. This is called a chargeback. Provide them with all your evidence of the cancellation and your attempts to get a refund. This is often faster than waiting for the airline.
3. Take Them to Small Claims Court: For larger claims or as a matter of principle, small claims court is an option. It's designed to be used without a lawyer and has relatively low filing fees. Check the rules for your local jurisdiction. The threat of legal action can sometimes be enough to get a response.
4. Make Noise on Social Media: While not a formal method, a well-written, public post on Twitter/X or Facebook can get the attention of the airline's social media team. Tag @airindia and be clear, concise, and polite. Attach photos or screenshots if you can. Sometimes public pressure works when private emails don't.

Tired of Air India's endless hold music and generic email responses that lead nowhere? Sound familiar? Dealing with airline bureaucracy is designed to make you give up. That's where Pine AI steps in. We handle the entire frustrating process for you, from drafting the perfect claim letter to managing the back-and-forth communication.

Forget spending hours trying to find the right contact form or waiting for a customer service agent who can't actually help. Pine AI navigates the system for you. We know the regulations and the right pressure points to use to get your claim taken seriously. With a 93% success rate in negotiations, we turn your compensation claim from a stressful chore into a simple task. No more runaround. Just results. Let us handle the headache so you can get on with your life, and get the money you're owed back in your pocket.

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Pine AI is not a law firm.