Claim Compensation from Turkish Airlines

Don't just fire off an angry email. You need ammo. Turkish Airlines is notorious for rejecting claims due to "insufficient documentation," so gather everything before you click submit.

• Locate your Ticket Number: It starts with 235. Without this 13-digit number, their system won't even look at your request.
• Save your Boarding Passes: Digital or paper. If you threw them away, find the email confirmation.
• Document the Timeline: Write down exactly when the delay started, when you landed, and what staff told you. Memories fade fast.
• Keep Receipts: If you are claiming for delayed baggage, you need itemized receipts for essentials (toiletries, clothes). Credit card statements usually aren't enough for them.
• Photos of Damage: If your bag is busted, take clear photos of the damage and the barcode tag immediately.

Since Turkish Airlines is a non-EU carrier, your rights depend heavily on where your flight started and ended. It is confusing, but here is the breakdown for US travelers.

• Flights departing from the US: You are covered by US DOT rules. If they cancel the flight, you are entitled to a full refund to your original payment method, even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. For delays, compensation is not legally mandated by US law, but Turkish Airlines may offer goodwill vouchers.
• Flights departing from Europe (EU/UK): If your flight originates in London, Paris, or Frankfurt, EC 261/2004 applies. You could be entitled to up to $650 (€600) for delays over 3 hours or cancellations.
• Flights departing from Istanbul: These are covered by Turkey's SHY-PASSENGER regulation. It is very similar to European laws. If you are denied boarding or cancelled on, you have rights to compensation.
• Baggage Issues: Under the Montreal Convention, their liability for lost or damaged bags is capped at approximately $1,700 (1,288 SDR). You must file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport before leaving.

Note: Compensation amounts vary. Always reference the specific regulation (DOT, EC 261, or SHY-PASSENGER) in your claim.

Subject: Formal Compensation Claim - Flight TK[Flight Number] - [Your Last Name]

To: [Use the Online Feedback Form, paste this text into the description]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally request compensation for the service failure associated with flight TK[Flight Number] from [Departure City] to [Arrival City] on [Date]. My ticket number is [235-XXXXXXXXXX].

The Incident: My flight was [cancelled / delayed by X hours] due to reasons within Turkish Airlines' control. As a result, I arrived at my final destination [X hours] later than scheduled.

My Claim: Under [cite regulation: US DOT rules / EC 261 / SHY-PASSENGER], I am entitled to compensation. Additionally, I incurred expenses totaling $[Amount] for [meals/hotel/essentials] during this delay. Attached are the receipts.

Expectation: I expect a total compensation of $[Total Amount] credited to my original payment method. Please do not offer miles or travel vouchers, as I am requesting cash compensation as per my rights.

I await your confirmation within 7 days before escalating this matter to the [US Department of Transportation / Turkish DGCA].

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Phone Number] [Booking Reference/PNR]

If Turkish Airlines ignores you or offers a measly 1,000 miles as an apology, do not accept it. You have options to force their hand.

• File a DOT Complaint: For US-related flights, file a consumer complaint with the US Department of Transportation. Airlines are required by law to acknowledge these complaints within 30 days and respond within 60. It creates a permanent record they hate.
• Turkish DGCA: For flights out of Turkey, you can contact the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation. It is a bureaucratic maze, but it works.
• Credit Card Chargeback: If they refused a refund for a cancelled flight, call your bank. Tell them "Services not received." This is often the fastest way to get your money back.
• Small Claims Court: If the amount is significant (like lost luggage worth $1,500), you can sue them in small claims court in the US county where they operate or where you bought the ticket.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for specific legal concerns.