Flight Cancellation? Avenues, ompensation, Sample Letter

Flight Cancellation in Israel: Know Your Rights

Flight cancellation is common in Israel. COVID-19 and security issues cause many disruptions. Foreign airlines cancel last minute. This leaves many passengers stranded. Vacations are ruined. Hotel and activity plans are also affected.

Your Rights Under Israeli Law

The “Tivi Law” (Aviation Services Law, 5772-2012) protects passengers. This law covers international conventions. It details compensation for flight cancellation or changes.

The law mandates benefits and compensation. No lawsuit is needed, just a claim. However, not all airlines comply. Low-cost carriers often resist paying. Passengers must actively pursue compensation.

Before Legal Action

Consider sending a demand letter first. This can resolve issues amicably. This article explains your rights for flight cancellation. It also includes a sample demand letter.

Applicability of the Aviation Services Law

The Aviation Services Law applies to all landings and take-offs within and from Israel, including flights with intermediate stops (both domestic and international flights operated by foreign airlines).

Your Rights After Flight Cancellation

If your flight cancellation occurs, you have rights.

Free Assistance

You’re entitled to free assistance:

• Food and drinks for your wait.
• Accommodation for long waits.
• Transportation to/from lodging.
• Communication services (calls, fax, email).

Refund or Alternative Ticket

Choose between a refund or a new ticket.

• Refund: Get the full ticket price back. This includes all fees and taxes. Airlines must process it within 21 days. Submit a written request.
• Alternative Ticket: If you don’t want a refund, ask for a new flight. Note: accepting this may halve your financial compensation.

Financial Compensation

You may also get financial compensation based on distance:

• Up to 2,000 km: ₪1,440
• Up to 4,500 km: ₪2,310
• Over 4,500 km: ₪3,460

(Amounts are current as of January 2024.)

Airlines must pay this within 45 days. You need to submit a written request.

Note: If you take an alternative flight, your compensation might be halved.

Do you have more questions about flight cancellation?

When Flight Cancellation Means No Compensation

Sometimes, flight cancellation doesn’t lead to benefits. Here are the situations:

• You were notified about a new flight. You still reached your destination on time.
• You received your ticket for free.
• You bought your ticket at a special, non-public rate. (Loyalty program tickets are an exception).
• You already got benefits under foreign law for the same issue.
• The cancellation was due to extraordinary, unavoidable circumstances.
• The flight was cancelled because of protected strikes or lockouts.
• The flight was cancelled to avoid violating the Sabbath or a holiday.

Want to know more? Learn when you might still get compensation, even if these conditions are met.

Flight Cancellation: Airline Failed to Compensate?

Passengers get assistance automatically. For refunds or compensation, submit a written claim. If the airline fails to pay eligible passengers, you can get up to ₪11,540. This is without proof of damages (January 2024).

You can file a court claim for compensation. Consider a small claims court. Learn more about compensation without proof of damage. Also, how to get higher compensation.

Documents and Sample Letter for Flight Cancellation

Send a demand letter before suing. This can resolve issues faster and amicably.

Before writing, gather these documents:

• Flight ticket booking confirmation.
• Proof of ticket payment.
• Airline’s flight cancellation notice.
• All relevant airline communications.
• Evidence of incurred damages. (e.g., lost bookings, wages). Documentation might increase compensation.

[Sample Letter of Demand to an Airline Following a Flight Cancellation (link will be here)]

Note: Some airlines accept claims via their websites. Follow their process. Include all required documents.

Statute of Limitations for Flight Cancellation Claims

The Aviation Services Law sets a 4-year limit. File claims against airlines within 4 years. This starts from when the cause of action arises.

Example: Flight cancelled on Jan 1, 2024. You claim compensation that day. The airline has 45 days to respond. If they fail, the 4-year period begins 45 days after your request. Or from when you get their response.

Do you need help preparing your claim?

Filing a Small Claims Court Claim After Flight Cancellation

As of January 2024, small claims are capped at ₪38,900. This limit applies even for multiple plaintiffs filing jointly.

You can file small claims free using the Judicial Authority’s form. Many find this process cumbersome. It involves printing, handwriting, and unclear fields. Online filing via “Net Mishpat” or manual court filing also present challenges.

Dino’s System: Streamlining Your Claim

Dino’s system lets you create a small claims court claim online. Use any device. It features an intelligent questionnaire for aviation claims. This Israeli system offers lawyer-designed questionnaires. They adapt to your responses.

Upload files easily from any device. The system organizes them into a structured appendix. No printing needed! Creating a claim takes about 14 minutes on average. It generates a fully automated, court-compliant claim. This system helps overcome technical hurdles.

You can also buy a filing service. This includes claim generation, fee payment, and legal courier services.

Learn more about using Dino’s system for small claims.