Passengers of Air Rarotonga who have faced a flight delay or cancellation have a legal right to compensation. According to EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you should follow to get the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Air Rarotonga Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Air Rarotonga compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of delay or flight cancellation.
Air Rarotonga Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU regulations, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s important to note that this flight delay compensation is based on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you land at your destination airport.
Here’s an overview of how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation depends on several factors, including the duration of the delay and the route length of your flight:
| 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 |
Keep in mind you may not always receive compensation for every flight delay. Air Rarotonga isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control happen. This includes severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Air Rarotonga Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines have to notify passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, based on the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
| 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 |
Even when accepting another flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is calculated according to two criteria: the flight distance and the duration of the delay, according to the table provided below:
| 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 Rarotonga isn’t required to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Also, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are Air Rarotonga Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU 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.
However, Air Rarotonga is not a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Air Rarotonga
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Air Rarotonga, it’s crucial to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. This is why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. 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 thoroughly and will do our best to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and improve your chances of getting the compensation you’re entitled to. You may have plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Air Rarotonga goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Air Rarotonga is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU 261, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Air Rarotonga offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
- Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, Air Rarotonga provides hotel room accommodation. This covers transportation to and from the airport and the hotel.
- Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
To access these services, you can simply approach airline staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Air Rarotonga cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel inconveniences and supporting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
- Rebooking: if you choose to continue your trip, Air Rarotonga will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Air Rarotonga will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s essential to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re entitled to a partial refund of the cost difference. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, Air Rarotonga shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.
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 | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
17.06.202516:00 | Air Rarotonga 618 | Rarotonga (RAR) Aitutaki (AIT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.05.202516:00 | Air Rarotonga 618 | Rarotonga (RAR) Aitutaki (AIT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202516:00 | Air Rarotonga 618 | Rarotonga (RAR) Aitutaki (AIT) | delayed | Claim Refund |
