LOT Polish Airlines Compensation
Welcome to your ultimate resource for understanding your passenger rights with LOT Polish Airlines under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) enforced by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). This comprehensive guide details your entitlements for flight disruptions, baggage issues, tarmac delays, and accessibility needs, ensuring you’re fully informed about compensation and support when traveling with LOT Polish Airlines.
Introduction to LOT Polish Airlines
LOT Polish Airlines, headquartered in Warsaw, is the national flag carrier of Poland and a Star Alliance member. The airline operates flights to major destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America, including direct services to and from Canada. As a foreign large carrier under the APPR, LOT is obligated to provide fair treatment, clear communication, and compensation for eligible disruptions when operating flights to, from, or within Canada.
Key Services
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International Connectivity: LOT offers direct flights between Toronto and Warsaw with onward connections across Europe and Asia.
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Cabin Options: LOT Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy services.
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Miles & More Program: Frequent flyer program allowing passengers to earn and redeem miles.
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Commitment to APPR: LOT complies with CTA regulations, providing updates, treatment, and compensation for disruptions affecting Canadian passengers.
Your Rights During Flight Delays
When a LOT Polish Airlines flight is delayed, the airline must:
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Provide Timely Updates: Notify passengers every 30 minutes with the reason for the delay, via announcements, staff updates, or the LOT app.
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Standards of Treatment: For delays within LOT’s control or required for safety, after 2 hours:
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Food and Beverages: Provided in reasonable quantities.
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Communication Access: Free Wi-Fi or phone access to adjust travel plans.
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Accommodation: For overnight delays, hotel or comparable lodging plus ground transport if away from home.
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Compensation for Delays
For delays within LOT’s control and not related to safety, compensation is based on arrival delay at your final destination:
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3-6 Hours: CAD 400
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6-9 Hours: CAD 700
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9+ Hours: CAD 1,000
If you decide not to travel due to a significant delay, you may request a refund instead of rebooking, plus CAD 400 compensation (if the disruption was within LOT’s control).
Flight Delayed? Claim Up to $1000 Compensation — Check Eligibility
Your Rights During Flight Cancellations
When LOT cancels a flight, it must:
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Prompt Notification: Provide the reason for the cancellation through email, app notifications, or airport announcements.
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Rebooking or Refund Options:
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Rebooking: On the next available LOT or partner airline flight within 9 hours (within control) or 48 hours (outside control). If unavailable, rebooking on another carrier, including alternate airports if necessary.
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Refund: Full refund for unused portions and optional services (e.g., baggage fees). Return to origin included if applicable.
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Compensation for Cancellations
For cancellations within LOT’s control with less than 14 days’ notice:
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3-6 Hours Delay: CAD 400
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6-9 Hours Delay: CAD 700
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9+ Hours Delay: CAD 1,000
Exclusions: No compensation is owed if the cancellation was outside LOT’s control (e.g., weather, security).
Your Rights During Missed Connections
If a LOT delay or cancellation causes you to miss a connection:
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Communication: LOT must inform you of alternatives through staff, email, or app updates.
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Rebooking or Refund:
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Rebooking: Next available LOT or partner flight to your final destination.
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Refund: Full refund for unused tickets and optional services if the journey no longer serves your purpose.
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Compensation for Missed Connections
For disruptions within LOT’s control:
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3-6 Hours Delay: CAD 400
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6-9 Hours Delay: CAD 700
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9+ Hours Delay: CAD 1,000
Your Rights During Denied Boarding
If involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking or operational constraints:
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Immediate Communication: LOT must explain the reason and provide a written outline of rights.
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Rebooking or Refund:
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Rebooking: Next available LOT or partner flight within 9 hours (within control) or 48 hours (outside control).
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Refund: Full refund for unused tickets and optional services.
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Standards of Treatment: Food, drinks, communication, and overnight accommodation if necessary.
Compensation for Denied Boarding
If denial is within LOT’s control and not for safety/security reasons:
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3-6 Hours Delay: CAD 900
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6-9 Hours Delay: CAD 1,800
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9+ Hours Delay: CAD 2,400
Your Rights for Baggage Issues
For lost, delayed, or damaged baggage:
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Prompt Communication: File a baggage report at the airport or via the LOT online system.
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Compensation:
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Lost or Damaged Baggage: Up to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (~CAD 2,800) under the Montreal Convention.
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Delayed Baggage: Reimbursement for reasonable interim expenses with receipts (21-day deadline).
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Baggage Fee Refund: For delayed, lost, or damaged checked baggage.
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Deadlines:
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Report damaged baggage within 7 days.
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Report delayed baggage within 21 days.
Tarmac Delays
Your Rights During Tarmac Delays
For tarmac delays at Canadian airports:
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Communication: Regular updates every 30 minutes via onboard announcements or the LOT Polish Airlines app.
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Care After 90 Minutes:
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Food and beverages in reasonable quantities.
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Access to lavatories.
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Medical assistance if needed.
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Disembarkation: After 3 hours, the aircraft must return to the gate to allow passengers to disembark, unless takeoff is imminent within 45 minutes or safety prevents it.
Additional Notes: For international flights, tarmac delay rules may vary under the Montreal Convention.
Stuck on the Tarmac? Know Your Rights Under Canadian Law — Check Eligibility Now
Reimbursement of Expenses
Your Rights for Reimbursement of Expenses
When LOT causes flight delays, cancellations, or delayed baggage within their control, you may be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses:
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Eligible Expenses: Costs for essentials (e.g., meals, toiletries, clothing) incurred due to flight delays over 2 hours, cancellations with less than 12 hours’ notice, or delayed baggage.
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Submission Process: Submit the official itemized receipts from the vendor along with the expense details when submitting the compensation claim form on our website.
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Standards of Treatment: For delays or cancellations within LOT Polish Airlines’ control, expect reimbursement for reasonable expenses (e.g., meals, transport, hotel stays) if not provided by LOT Polish Airlines.
Reimbursement Limits
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Delayed Baggage: Up to 1,519 SDR (~CAD 2,800) plus baggage fee refunds.
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Flight Delays/Cancellations: Reasonable expenses based on delay duration, location, and time of day (e.g., meals for 2+ hour delays, hotel for overnight disruptions).
Note: Expenses due to uncontrollable events (e.g., weather, air traffic control) are not reimbursable.
Paid for Meals or Hotel? Get Reimbursed — Upload Receipts Now
