Passengers of Airlink who have experienced a delayed or cancelled flight are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. In this article, we will look at your rights and the steps you should follow to get the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Airlink Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Airlink compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of flight cancellation or delay.
Airlink Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU laws, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you land at your destination airport.
Here’s an overview of how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by several factors, such as the duration of the delay and the distance 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 might not receive compensation for every flight delay. Airlink is not obliged to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control happen. This includes bad weather, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Airlink Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union 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 could qualify for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, according to the flight distance. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid 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 |
When accepting an alternative flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated according to two criteria: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, according to the table 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 |
Airlink isn’t required to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Moreover, 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 workers go on strike.
Are Airlink Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Airlink isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required 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 Airlink
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Airlink, it’s essential to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. That’s why it’s essential 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 take over. We understand the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you’re owed. You might have plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to file it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Airlink goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Airlink is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU 261, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Food and Drinks: 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: Airlink 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, Airlink arranges hotel room accommodation. This includes transportation between 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 airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Airlink cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel interruptions and helping passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
- 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, Airlink will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Airlink will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, even 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, Airlink will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just 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.