Aruba Airlines Compensation and Reimbursement for Cancelled and Delayed Flights

Whenever flights get delayed or cancelled, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. Under EU 261/2004, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

European Union Regulation 261 is the law that covers the rights of air passengers. In particular, this legislation covers diverse cases, including rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and obligates airlines to resolve individual cases with fairness and care. If the incident happens due to the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences has a right to get compensation. In addition, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.

Right to Compensation

EU Regulation 261 includes rules concerning the process of compensation, including assistance for passengers who suffered from flight problems. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, based on your specific case.

Compensation for Aruba Airlines Flight Cancellation

First and foremost, passengers should be aware that the airline must inform them about the cancellation of their flight. In case the airline notifies you under fourteen days before the date of your flight and does not offer any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.

At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger may also be eligible for compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the length of the delay:

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

Compensation for Aruba Airlines Flight Delay

When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger may receive a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.

Furthermore, this is the case when the airline is also required to provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See essential details on compensation in the table below:

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

Right to Care

Right to Care refers to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out common rules on assistance and compensation to passengers in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays.

The “Right to Care” under EU261 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. These include:

• Snacks and beverages appropriate for the waiting time
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
• Transport between the airport and the hotel
• Emails or faxes and two free phone calls

Upgrading and Downgrading

When a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is good to understand upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.

In cases, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for example, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t have to pay extra for this upgrade.

Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to receive reimbursement. Here, it is worth mentioning that the amount of compensation is entirely based on the distance of a flight:

• 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less;
• 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance;
• 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance.

Consider that these rights apply to every flight within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union operated by airlines based in the EU.

When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?

Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers will not receive compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are not within the airline’s control. A few examples are as follows:

• Bad weather conditions and natural disasters;
• Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks);
• A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance);
• Unruly or very ill passengers;
• Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew).

Moreover, if the airline might have been able to do something to avoid issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you can claim compensation.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

EU 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

However, Aruba Airlines isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This applies even to their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.

Itinerary	Covered by EU 261
Flights departing from the EU airports	✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at the EU airports	❌ No

How to Claim Aruba Airlines Compensation

Flight delay or cancellation can be a frustrating experience that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight cancellation or delay should understand the steps to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:

1. Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.

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