Coping with flight problems can be quite upsetting. However, the positive thing is that the European Union has laws to support travelers when things go wrong. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s wise to understand these regulations. They can help you out if your flight is disrupted.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make managing travel complications less stressful. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can help you feel less stressed when things get disrupted.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
When you’re flying in the EU, rest assured that there’s aid available in the case of a flight disruption. 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 stuck overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re delayed for a long time or your flight is cancelled, you might also receive:
- A refund
- An alternative flight
- Compensation to make up for the trouble
Don’t forget to ask airline workers about these things if your plans change. They have to tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Air Italy Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from Air Italy can be really annoying. However there’s some good news: if you’re stuck waiting for more than three hours because of the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could get up to €600 per person. What is important is when you land, not when you leave. So pay attention to your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on how far you’re flying. A brief trip won’t get you as much money as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed equally.
Want to know exactly how much you could get? Check out the table below to see what compensation you could receive:
| 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 Italy Flight Cancellation Compensation
Europe has laws to assist you in case of flight cancellation. Here’s what you need to know:
In the event of a flight cancellation less than two weeks before you’re supposed to leave, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600. However, there’s a condition – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they rebook you on a different flight that doesn’t significantly disrupt your travel.
The airline may not need to compensate you 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 a different flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. The key factor is your arrival time at your destination.
How much money you might get is determined by two factors:
- How far you’re flying
- How late you arrive
So, even if the new flight doesn’t get there on time, you might still get some compensation.
Look at the following table for more information:
| 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 be required to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you arrive shortly after the scheduled time, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Air Italy
It’s crucial to know the process of claiming the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s what you need to do:
- 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 handle the rest. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Don’t forget that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed because of operational reasons or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you have a right to compensation.
Which Air Italy Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are comprehensive in scope. They apply to every flight leaving an airport in an EU member state and to all flights arriving at an airport within an EU country provided the airline is based in the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These regulations also cover airlines from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This means if you’re flying with any airline within, to, or from Europe, you probably have these rights. It’s helpful to know about these laws – they exist to help you if issues arise with your flight. They ensure you’re not abandoned when your travel plans don’t work out.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Air Italy isn’t necessarily responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Sometimes, things happen that the airline is powerless against, like really bad weather or unexpected problems.
For example, if there’s unexpected severe weather, an emergency at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers, Air Italy is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline has no control over.
When these events take place, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues arise.