Coping with flight problems can be quite upsetting. However, the bright side is that the European Union has laws to support travelers when things get messed up. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s wise to be aware of these protections. They can help you out if your flight gets messed up.
Being aware of your options 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 European Union, rest assured that there’s assistance available in the case of a flight disruption. EU laws make sure airlines take care of their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you:
- Food and drinks
- 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
- An alternative flight
- Compensation to make up for the trouble
Remember to inquire with airline representatives about these things if your plans change. They are obligated to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
AirBaltic Flight Delay Compensation
Flight delays from AirBaltic can be very frustrating. However there’s a silver lining: if you’re delayed for more than three hours owing to 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 arrive, not when you depart. So monitor your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on your flight distance. A short flight won’t be compensated as highly as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.
Interested in learning exactly how much you could get? Check out 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 |
AirBaltic Flight Cancellation Compensation
The EU has regulations to protect you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you should know:
If your flight gets cancelled less than two weeks before your planned travel date, you could be eligible for compensation of up to €600. However, there’s a condition – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they can get you on another flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The airline can avoid paying 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 choose to board an alternative flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. What matters most is when you reach your final destination.
Your potential compensation is determined by two factors:
- How far you’re flying
- The time difference between the scheduled and actual arrival
So, even if the new flight doesn’t get there on time, you may still receive some compensation.
Refer to the table below 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 may not need 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 eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from AirBaltic
It’s essential to know how to claim the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Don’t forget that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. No matter whether your flight was delayed because of operational issues or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which AirBaltic Flights are Covered by EU261?
The European Union’s laws for protecting air passengers are comprehensive in scope. They apply to any flight taking off from a European Union member state airport and every flight landing at an airport within an EU country 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 Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means if you’re traveling with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s helpful to be aware of these laws – they exist to support you if something goes wrong with your flight. They make sure you’re not stranded when your trip arrangements don’t work out.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
AirBaltic isn’t necessarily responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Occasionally, situations arise that the airline has no control over, like really bad weather or unforeseen issues.
For example, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an airport emergency, or a strike by air traffic controllers, AirBaltic isn’t responsible. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline is unable to prevent.
When these situations occur, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues arise.