Originally Posted by bananahead

Well...i've finally had my reply.

Compensation D E N I E D

Finnair have given a pathetic excuse of minor technical faults and ATC delays (the aircraft operating my delayed LHR-HEL was late inbound to HEL from HKG).

I WILL pursue this through the small claims court as I believe in terms of ATC these delays are not uncommon nor unexpected (hence why airlines factor these delays into block flying time and turnaround times) and in terms of the technical issue delay as stated on the caa uk website -
'Ordinary technical problems that cause flight disruption, such as component failure or general wear and tear, should not be considered an 'extraordinary circumstance' and compensation should be payable in these cases.'

So....the next step.

Finnair does not form part of the 'alternative dispute resolution' (ADR) bodies so I am able to complain direct to the CAA. Although as far as I understand it the CAA has no actual powers to enforce anything on Finnair?

Should I skip the CAA complaint process and just go straight to the small claims process? Or do both simultaneously? Or contact the CAA first and wait and see and then do a small claims case?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Edited to add - I complained to the CAA first. Whilst lodging the details of my complaint I realised AY allocate a LHR turnaround time of ONE HOUR TEN MINUTES for a wide bodied A350 to be turned around??!! And then claim ATC delays? Errrmmm no...it's scheduling suicide!