Whenever flights are cancelled or delayed, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in such situations. According to EU261, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 European Union Regulation 261 is the legislation that covers air passengers’ rights. Specifically, this legislation covers different situations, such as flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with fairness and care. If the incident happens as a result of 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 European Union Regulation 261 encompasses rules concerning the process of compensation, including assistance for passengers affected by flight problems. In particular, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per person. This sum ranges, according to your specific case. Compensation for Air Astana Flight Cancellation First and foremost, passengers should be aware that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. In case the airline informs you less than 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 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 according to 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 Astana Flight Delay When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for five or more hours, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination. Furthermore, this is the case when the airline must also 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 refers to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which establishes standard rules on compensation and assistance for travelers in cases of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding. 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: Meals and drinks appropriate for 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 In situations where a passenger receives 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 example, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay extra for this upgrade. Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to get 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 any flights inside 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. 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). Moreover, if the airline could hypothetically have done something to prevent 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 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies 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. Nevertheless, Air Astana isn’t a European airline. Consequently, 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. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing from the EU airports✔️ YesFlights arriving at the EU airports❌ No How to Claim Air Astana Compensation Flight delay or cancellation 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 cancellation or delay should know exactly how to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps: Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.