Passengers of Atlas Air who have experienced a flight delay or cancellation have a legal right to compensation. Under EU 261, airlines must compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the actions you need to take to receive the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Atlas Air Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Atlas Air 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.
Atlas Air 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 arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you reach your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on 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 |
Remember you might not receive compensation for every flight delay. Atlas Air is not obliged to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control occur. This covers bad weather, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In such situations, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Atlas Air Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines must inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. 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 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 another flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated based on two factors: the flight distance 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 |
Atlas Air isn’t required to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Atlas Air Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Atlas Air isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for 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 Atlas Air
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Atlas Air, it’s essential to know 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:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort 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 obtaining 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
Atlas Air goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Atlas Air is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Food and Drinks: Passengers are provided with food and drinks appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Atlas Air 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, Atlas Air provides hotel accommodation. This also includes 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 instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Atlas Air cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel disruptions and helping passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.
- 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, Atlas Air shall 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, Atlas Air will arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. Additionally, 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 crucial to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking includes connecting flights, Atlas Air will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.
Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.