Whenever flights are cancelled or delayed, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in these situations. Under EU 261, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on Air Calédonie 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 covers the rights of air passengers. More precisely, this legislation covers diverse cases, including rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and obligates airlines to handle individual cases with fairness and care. If the incident happens due to the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences is entitled to receive compensation. In addition, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
The EU 261 includes regulations regarding the compensation process, including assistance 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, according to your circumstances.
Air Calédonie Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, passengers should be aware that the airline is required to notify them about the cancellation of their flight. In case the airline informs you under fourteen days before your flight date and does not offer 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 provided with an alternative flight but arrives at 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 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 |
Air Calédonie 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 an alternative flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, this is the case when the airline also must provide a passenger with beverages, some food, and accommodation. See essential details 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 establishes standard rules on assistance and compensation to passengers in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays.
The “Right to Care” under EU261 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Meals and beverages 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 cases, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for instance, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not be charged 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 obtain reimbursement. Here, it’s important to note 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 apply to every flight within 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 cancelled or delayed flights. Specifically, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are outside of 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).
In addition, if the airline could hypothetically 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?
European Union 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 Calédonie 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 Air Calédonie 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 be aware of the process to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to get you your 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.01.202611:10 | Air Caledonie 107 | (GEA) (MEE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:10 | Air Caledonie 215 | (GEA) (LIF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:40 | Air Caledonie 317 | (GEA) (UVE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202608:40 | Air Caledonie 107 | (GEA) (MEE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:30 | Air Caledonie 310 | (VLI) (TAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202606:10 | Air Caledonie 201 | (GEA) (LIF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:30 | Air Caledonie 401 | (GEA) (ILP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202515:10 | Air Caledonie 215 | (GEA) (LIF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202514:00 | Air Caledonie 316 | (VLI) (TAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202512:40 | Air Caledonie 317 | (GEA) (UVE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202515:10 | Air Caledonie 215 | (GEA) (LIF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202512:30 | Air Caledonie 402 | (ILP) (GEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202509:30 | Air Caledonie 307 | (GEA) (UVE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202507:00 | Air Caledonie 107 | (GEA) (MEE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.12.202515:10 | Air Caledonie 317 | (GEA) (UVE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.12.202509:40 | Air Caledonie 402 | (ILP) (GEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.12.202517:50 | Air Caledonie 215 | (GEA) (LIF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.12.202515:10 | Air Caledonie 317 | (GEA) (UVE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.12.202517:50 | Air Caledonie 413 | (GEA) (ILP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.12.202515:10 | Air Caledonie 317 | (GEA) (UVE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
23.12.202516:20 | Air Caledonie 216 | (LIF) (GEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
23.12.202514:00 | Air Caledonie 316 | (VLI) (TAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202517:50 | Air Caledonie 117 | (GEA) (MEE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:40 | Air Caledonie 401 | (GEA) (ILP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202509:40 | Air Caledonie 402 | (ILP) (GEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.12.202509:50 | Air Caledonie 314 | (VLI) (TAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.12.202507:30 | Air Caledonie 310 | (VLI) (TAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.12.202518:00 | Air Caledonie 307 | (SON) (VLI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.11.202517:50 | Air Caledonie 117 | (GEA) (MEE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.11.202516:40 | Air Caledonie 414 | (ILP) (GEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.11.202515:40 | Air Caledonie 413 | (GEA) (ILP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.11.202516:20 | Air Caledonie 216 | (LIF) (GEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.11.202515:10 | Air Caledonie 215 | (GEA) (LIF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.11.202513:50 | Air Caledonie 318 | (UVE) (GEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.11.202512:40 | Air Caledonie 317 | (GEA) (UVE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.11.202507:30 | Air Caledonie 310 | (VLI) (TAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.11.202518:00 | Air Caledonie 307 | (SON) (VLI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.11.202516:30 | Air Caledonie 306 | (VLI) (SON) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
23.11.202517:50 | Air Caledonie 117 | (GEA) (MEE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
