Dealing with flight issues can be really frustrating. However, the bright side is that the European Union has regulations to assist travelers when things get messed up. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s a good idea to know about these protections. They can help you out if your flight goes off course.
Understanding your rights can make managing travel problems much easier. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can reduce your anxiety when things get disrupted.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws ensure airlines look after their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you:
- Meals and beverages
- A hotel room if you’re stranded overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also get:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Don’t forget to ask airline workers about these things if your plans change. They must tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Air Dolomiti Flight Delay Compensation
Delays with flights from Air Dolomiti can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re stuck waiting for more than three hours due to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could receive up to €600 per person. What matters is when you land, not when you take off. So monitor your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
The amount you receive depends on the length of your journey. A short flight won’t be compensated as highly as a long one, even if they’re both delayed equally.
Curious about exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see how much money you might get:
| 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 |
Air Dolomiti Flight Cancellation Compensation
Europe has regulations to protect you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you need to know:
If your flight gets cancelled within two weeks of you’re supposed to leave, you may be entitled to compensation up to €600. But there’s a catch – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they offer you an alternative flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The carrier can bypass compensation if they arrange a replacement flight that meets the following conditions:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
If you accept another flight from the airline, you can still receive compensation. The key factor is when you reach your final destination.
Your potential compensation depends on two factors:
- The length of your flight
- The delay in your arrival
Therefore, even if the new flight doesn’t get there on time, you could still be eligible for compensation.
Refer to the table below to understand better:
| 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 |
The airline might not have to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even with a slight delay, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Air Dolomiti
It’s important to understand how to request the compensation you deserve under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete 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 thoroughly and will strive to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Don’t forget that it is your right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed due to operational issues or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like inclement weather or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which Air Dolomiti Flights are Covered by EU261?
The European Union’s laws for protecting air passengers have a wide-ranging scope. They apply to any flight taking off from an airport within an EU country and any flight coming into a European Union member state airport when an EU-based airline operates the flight.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also cover airlines from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This means if you’re flying with any airline to, from, or within Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s good to understand these regulations – they’re there to support you if something goes wrong with your flight. They guarantee you’re not left on your own when your trip arrangements go awry.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Air Dolomiti is not always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, events occur that the airline is powerless against, like extreme weather or unexpected problems.
For instance, if there’s a sudden storm, an airport emergency, or air traffic controllers go on strike, Air Dolomiti cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about.
When these things happen, you are unlikely to get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties occur.