Slovak Trade Inspection assists passengers in claiming EU flight compensation

Travelers whose flights are cancelled or delayed by three hours or more, or who are denied boarding, are entitled under EU regulation to compensation of €250‑€600, regardless of ticket price. The first step is to file a claim directly with the airline. If the airline rejects the claim or fails to respond, passengers can turn to the Slovak Trade Inspection (SOI), the national authority overseeing airline passenger rights.

SOI can intervene when the flight departs from a Slovak airport or when a non‑EU flight arrives in Slovakia on an EU‑registered carrier. Complaints must include flight details and supporting documents such as tickets or reservation confirmations. The EU recently reaffirmed the three‑hour threshold and added a requirement for airlines to provide clear electronic instructions for filing claims within four days of travel. In Slovakia, passengers have up to two years from the flight date to pursue compensation, and if SOI’s review does not resolve the issue, they may seek redress through the courts.