Handling flight disruptions can be quite upsetting. However, the positive thing is that the European Union has regulations to support travelers when things go wrong. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s a good idea to understand these protections. They can help you out if your flight is disrupted.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make dealing with travel complications much easier. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can reduce your anxiety when things go wrong.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
If your flight faces disruptions in the European Union, you’ll get help. EU laws make sure airlines take care of their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you:
- Meals and beverages
- Accommodation if you’re stuck 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
- An alternative flight
- Compensation to make up for the trouble
Don’t forget to inquire with airline representatives about these things if your plans change. They have to tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Air Nostrum Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from Air Nostrum can be really annoying. However there’s a silver lining: 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 in your favor. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What matters is when you reach your destination, not when you take off. So pay attention to your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
Your compensation depends on the length of your journey. A brief trip won’t get you as much money as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed the same amount of time.
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 Nostrum Flight Cancellation Compensation
The European Union has laws to protect you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you need to know:
In the event of a flight cancellation within two weeks of you’re supposed to leave, you may be entitled to compensation up to €600. But keep in mind – the airline can avoid paying if they offer you an alternative flight that doesn’t mess up your plans too much.
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 choose to board another flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. What matters most is when you reach your final destination.
How much money you might get is determined by a couple of points:
- How far you’re flying
- How late you arrive
So, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you might still get some compensation.
Check out the following table to see more details:
| 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 a transfer to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even with a slight delay, you might not be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Air Nostrum
It’s important to understand how to claim the compensation you’re eligible for under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s the process:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Don’t forget that it is your right as a passenger to claim compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight. No matter whether your flight was delayed due to operational issues or technical issues, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like inclement weather or air traffic control decisions, you have a right to compensation.
Which Air Nostrum 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 an airport in an EU member state 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 Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means if you’re flying with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s important to be aware of these regulations – they’re there to assist you if issues arise with your flight. They ensure you’re not stranded when your trip arrangements go awry.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Air Nostrum isn’t necessarily responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Occasionally, things happen that the airline is powerless against, like severe weather conditions or unforeseen issues.
For example, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an airport emergency, or a strike by air traffic controllers, Air Nostrum isn’t responsible. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline has no control over.
When these things happen, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties occur.