Whenever flights get cancelled or delayed, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in such situations. Under EU 261, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 EU Regulation 261 is the regulation that covers air passengers’ rights. Specifically, this regulation covers different situations, including delays, flight cancellations, rebooking, etc., and obligates airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens as a result of the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences is entitled to get compensation. Furthermore, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article. Right to Compensation European Union Regulation 261 contains rules regarding the compensation process, including assistance for passengers experiencing air travel disruptions. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can potentially get is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum ranges, based on your specific case. Compensation for Aerolíneas Argentinas Flight Cancellation First and foremost, travelers need to know that the airline must inform them about the flight cancellation. In case the airline informs you less than fourteen days before your scheduled departure and does not offer 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 provided with an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger may also be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the duration of the delay: Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km Compensation for Aerolíneas Argentinas Flight Delay When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is required to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination. Furthermore, in such situations, the airline is also required to provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See key information about compensation in the table below: Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km Right to Care Right to Care relates to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which establishes common rules on assistance and compensation for travelers in the event of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations. The “Right to Care” under EU 261/2004 requires airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations. These include: Food and drinks appropriate to the waiting time Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes Upgrading and Downgrading When a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is good to know about upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class. In situations, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for example, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t have to pay additional fees for this upgrade. Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to obtain reimbursement. Here, you should be aware that the amount of compensation is entirely based 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. Consider that these rights cover every flight within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union by airlines based in the EU. When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation? Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers will not receive compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Particularly, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are beyond 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 could hypothetically have done something to avoid problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you can claim compensation. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? EU 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. 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, Aerolíneas Argentinas isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing from the EU airports✔️ YesFlights arriving at the EU airports❌ No How to Claim Aerolíneas Argentinas Compensation Flight cancellation or delay can be a frustrating experience that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight cancellation or delay should know exactly how to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps: Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.