Whenever flights get delayed or cancelled, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in such situations. Under EU 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 EU Regulation 261 is the law that deals with air passengers’ rights. Specifically, this regulation covers different situations, including flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with care and fairness. If the situation occurs due to the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences is entitled to receive compensation. Moreover, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article. Right to Compensation EU Regulation 261 encompasses rules concerning the compensation process, including assistance to people who suffered from issues with flights. In particular, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum ranges, based on your specific case. Compensation for Air Albania Flight Cancellation First and foremost, travelers should be aware that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. If the airline informs you less than fourteen days before the date of your flight and does not offer 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 reaches his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger might be eligible for compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the length 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 Air Albania Flight Delay When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is required to provide 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 also must provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See essential details 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 pertains to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which establishes regulations on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding. The “Right to Care” under EU 261 obliges airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers affected by 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 Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes Upgrading and Downgrading In situations where a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is good 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 booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay additional fees for this upgrade. Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to receive reimbursement. Here, 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. 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 by airlines based in the EU. When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation? Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers aren’t eligible for compensation for cancelled or delayed 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 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 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends to 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, Air Albania isn’t 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 Air Albania 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 understand the steps 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 what went wrong. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.