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 EU261, 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 regulation that covers the rights of air passengers. More precisely, this law covers different situations, such as flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and obligates airlines to handle individual cases with care and fairness. If the situation occurs as a result of the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences has a right to receive compensation. Moreover, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article. Right to Compensation The EU 261 encompasses rules regarding the process of compensation, including assistance for passengers experiencing issues with flights. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can potentially get is up to 600 euros per person. This sum ranges, based on your specific case. Compensation for Aeromexico Flight Cancellation First and foremost, passengers should be aware that the airline must inform them about the flight cancellation. In case 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, must pay you compensation of 250 – 600 euros. At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger might 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 Aeromexico Flight Delay When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is obligated 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 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 refers to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays. The “Right to Care” under EU 261 requires airlines to provide certain assistance and services 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 place of accommodation Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes Upgrading and Downgrading When a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is important to be aware of upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class. In situations, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for instance, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay extra for this service. Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right to get reimbursement. In this case, it is worth mentioning 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 apply to all flights 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 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). In addition, if the airline potentially could have done something to prevent problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you can claim compensation. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. This regulation also extends to 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. However, Aeromexico is not a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This applies even to 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 Aeromexico 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 be aware of the process to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps: Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.