Whenever flights are 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 EU261/2004, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on Aerolíneas Argentinas flight compensation, explaining when you may be entitled to it and how to claim it.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
European Union Regulation 261 is the law that deals with air passengers’ rights. In particular, this legislation covers different situations, including rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and requires 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 has a right to receive compensation. In addition, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
The EU 261 contains regulations regarding the compensation process, including aid for passengers affected by issues with flights. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can potentially get is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, based on your specific case.
Aerolíneas Argentinas Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, passengers need to know that the airline is required to notify them about the cancellation of their flight. If the airline informs you under fourteen days before your flight date and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261/2004, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger might be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations according to 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 |
Aerolíneas Argentinas Flight Delay Compensation
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the delay time, with longer delays generally resulting in higher compensation amounts. When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to provide compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, in such situations, the airline must also provide a passenger with food, drinks, and accommodation. See key information on 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 |
When submitting a compensation claim for a delayed flight, providing accurate flight details is essential to support your case.
Right to Care
Right to Care relates to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out standard rules on assistance and compensation for travelers in cases 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:
- Meals and beverages appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation
- Emails or faxes and two free phone calls
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is important to understand upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In situations, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for instance, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t be charged additional fees for this upgrade.
Regarding downgrading in class (if you had 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 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 any flights inside 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 cases, when passengers won’t get compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Particularly, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are not within the airline’s control. A few 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).
Moreover, if the airline potentially could have done something to prevent issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Aerolíneas Argentinas is not a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required 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 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. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight delay or cancellation should know exactly how to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Fill in our 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 manage the process. We understand the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful 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 |
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