Whenever flights are cancelled or delayed, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in such situations. Under EU 261, if your flight is disrupted, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
The EU 261 is the law that covers air passengers’ rights. More precisely, this law covers different situations, such as flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and obligates airlines to handle individual cases with fairness and care. If the incident happens due to the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences is entitled to get compensation. Furthermore, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
EU Regulation 261 encompasses regulations concerning the compensation process, including aid to travelers affected by air travel disruptions. In particular, the amount of compensation you can expect to receive is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, based on your circumstances.
Compensation for Samoa Airways Flight Cancellation
First and foremost, travelers should be aware that the airline must inform them about the cancellation of their flight. If the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before your scheduled departure and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger could be eligible for compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the length of the delay:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Compensation for Samoa Airways Flight Delay
When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is required to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for five or more hours, the passenger is entitled to a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, in such situations, the airline must also provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See key information about compensation in the table below:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Right to Care
Right to Care pertains to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which sets out common rules on assistance and compensation to passengers in the event of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations.
The “Right to Care” under EU 261 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Food and beverages appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the hotel
- Emails or faxes and two free phone calls
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is important to be aware of upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In cases, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for instance, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t be charged extra for this service.
Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you can obtain reimbursement. In this case, it is worth mentioning that the amount of compensation fully depends on the distance of a flight:
- 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less;
- 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance;
- 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance.
Keep in mind that these rights cover every flight within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union operated by airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, there are situations, when passengers will not receive compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Specifically, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are not within the airline’s control. Some of the examples are as follows:
- Bad weather conditions and natural disasters;
- Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks);
- A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance);
- Unruly or very ill passengers;
- Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew).
Furthermore, if the airline potentially could have done something to avoid issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you might be entitled to compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Samoa Airways is not a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This is true even for their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from the EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at the EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Samoa Airways Compensation
Flight cancellation or delay is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight cancellation or delay should know exactly how to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
13.07.202515:00 | Samoa Airways 229 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.07.202513:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.07.202514:15 | Samoa Airways 229 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.07.202514:15 | Samoa Airways 229 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.07.202513:50 | Samoa Airways 227 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.07.202513:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.07.202513:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.07.202513:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202514:15 | Samoa Airways 229 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.06.202514:15 | Samoa Airways 229 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.06.202513:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.06.202514:15 | Samoa Airways 229 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.06.202514:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.06.202514:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.06.202515:00 | Samoa Airways 229 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.06.202513:50 | Samoa Airways 227 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.06.202514:15 | Samoa Airways 229 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.06.202513:50 | Samoa Airways 227 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202513:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202513:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202512:35 | Samoa Airways 226 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202513:00 | Samoa Airways 228 | Apia (FGI) Pago Pago (PPG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202513:50 | Samoa Airways 227 | Pago Pago (PPG) Apia (FGI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
