Whenever flights are delayed or cancelled, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in such situations. According to EU261, if your flight is disrupted, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
European Union Regulation 261 is the regulation that deals with air passengers’ rights. In particular, this regulation covers diverse cases, such as delays, flight cancellations, rebooking, etc., and obligates airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens as a result of the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences has a right to get compensation. Furthermore, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
The EU 261 encompasses rules regarding the compensation process, including assistance for passengers affected by flight problems. In particular, the amount of compensation you can expect to receive is up to 600 euros per person. This sum varies, according to your specific case.
Compensation for Avianca Flight Cancellation
First and foremost, passengers need to know that the airline must inform them about the cancellation of their flight. If the airline informs you under fourteen days before the date of your flight and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, must pay 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 scheduled arrival time of the original flight, 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 Avianca Flight Delay
When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for five or more hours, the passenger may receive a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, in such situations, the airline also must provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See essential details about 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 pertains to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which establishes regulations on assistance and compensation to passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays.
The “Right to Care” under EU 261 requires airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Meals and beverages appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
Upgrading and Downgrading
When a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is important to know about upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In cases, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for instance, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not be charged additional fees for this service.
Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right to receive reimbursement. Here, it is worth mentioning that the amount of compensation fully depends 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.
Be aware that these rights apply to any flights inside 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 situations, when passengers won’t get compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Particularly, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are beyond 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 potentially could have done something to prevent problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 applies to 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 EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Avianca isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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 Avianca Compensation
Flight cancellation or delay is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight delay or cancellation should understand the steps to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
29.05.202514:45 | SA AVIANCA 6503 | Frankfurt (FRA) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202515:50 | SA AVIANCA 4679 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Ilheus (IOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202511:10 | SA AVIANCA 2998 | Bogota (BOG) Pitalito (PTX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202511:10 | SA AVIANCA 1688 | Quito (UIO) Galapagos Island (GPS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
28.05.202507:40 | SA AVIANCA 6253 | Dubai (DXB) Madrid (MAD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202519:07 | SA AVIANCA 2148 | Los Angeles (LAX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202518:05 | SA AVIANCA 2352 | San Francisco (SFO) Burbank (BUR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202514:55 | SA AVIANCA 2922 | Bogota (BOG) Manizales (MZL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202509:20 | SA AVIANCA 6191 | Santiago De Compostela (SCQ) Madrid (MAD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202507:40 | SA AVIANCA 6253 | Dubai (DXB) Madrid (MAD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.05.202503:25 | SA AVIANCA 6255 | Dubai (DXB) Barcelona (BCN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202521:40 | SA AVIANCA 97 | Bogota (BOG) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202521:40 | SA AVIANCA 4671 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Brasilia (BSB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202520:45 | SA AVIANCA 4609 | Brasilia (BSB) Sao Paulo (GIG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202516:12 | SA AVIANCA 2036 | San Francisco (SFO) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202515:30 | SA AVIANCA 241 | Bogota (BOG) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202511:45 | SA AVIANCA 209 | Santo Domingo (SDQ) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202510:35 | SA AVIANCA 2268 | Los Angeles (LAX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202507:10 | SA AVIANCA 208 | Bogota (BOG) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202521:55 | SA AVIANCA 4671 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Brasilia (BSB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202519:50 | SA AVIANCA 6122 | Madrid (MAD) Santiago De Compostela (SCQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202517:40 | SA AVIANCA 2927 | Quibdo (UIB) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202517:10 | SA AVIANCA 6509 | Frankfurt (FRA) Madrid (MAD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202516:00 | SA AVIANCA 2926 | Bogota (BOG) Quibdo (UIB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202515:40 | SA AVIANCA 2910 | Cali (CLO) Pasto (PSO) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202515:40 | SA AVIANCA 2922 | Bogota (BOG) Manizales (MZL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202513:35 | SA AVIANCA 250 | Bogota (BOG) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202513:05 | SA AVIANCA 4378 | Sao Paulo (SDU) Sao Paulo (GRU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202510:00 | SA AVIANCA 2998 | Bogota (BOG) Pitalito (PTX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202520:20 | SA AVIANCA 6158 | Madrid (MAD) Pamplona (PNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202515:40 | SA AVIANCA 6254 | Barcelona (BCN) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202515:30 | SA AVIANCA 2922 | Bogota (BOG) Manizales (MZL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202513:35 | SA AVIANCA 250 | Bogota (BOG) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202511:00 | SA AVIANCA 2998 | Bogota (BOG) Pitalito (PTX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202507:40 | SA AVIANCA 6253 | Dubai (DXB) Madrid (MAD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202519:59 | SA AVIANCA 2332 | (ORD) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202519:50 | SA AVIANCA 6250 | London (LHR) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202515:54 | SA AVIANCA 4807 | Bogota (BOG) Popayan (PPN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202513:40 | SA AVIANCA 6179 | San Sebastian (EAS) Madrid (MAD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202507:40 | SA AVIANCA 6253 | Dubai (DXB) Madrid (MAD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202507:00 | SA AVIANCA 4404 | Tampa (TPA) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
23.05.202501:15 | SA AVIANCA 4504 | San Francisco (SFO) Taipei (TPE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202500:50 | SA AVIANCA 4510 | San Francisco (SFO) Taipei (TPE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202521:40 | SA AVIANCA 4671 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Brasilia (BSB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202520:45 | SA AVIANCA 4687 | Brasilia (BSB) Sao Paulo (GRU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202519:59 | SA AVIANCA 2332 | (ORD) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202517:40 | SA AVIANCA 6123 | Oviedo (OVD) Madrid (MAD) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
22.05.202515:50 | SA AVIANCA 4679 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Ilheus (IOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202512:10 | SA AVIANCA 2998 | Bogota (BOG) Pitalito (PTX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202511:45 | SA AVIANCA 143 | Caracas (CCS) Bogota (BOG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
22.05.202511:25 | SA AVIANCA 4606 | Brasilia (BSB) Sao Paulo (GRU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202511:15 | SA AVIANCA 4630 | Sao Paulo (GIG) Brasilia (BSB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202510:45 | SA AVIANCA 4428 | Tampa (TPA) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
22.05.202510:35 | SA AVIANCA 2268 | Los Angeles (LAX) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202510:20 | SA AVIANCA 8590 | Bogota (BOG) Riohacha (RCH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202509:45 | SA AVIANCA 8372 | Quito (UIO) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202509:38 | SA AVIANCA 8460 | Bogota (BOG) Quibdo (UIB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202508:53 | SA AVIANCA 9303 | Medellin (MDE) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:46 | SA AVIANCA 4872 | El Yopal (EYP) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:30 | SA AVIANCA 639 | San Salvador (SAL) San Jose (SJO) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:30 | SA AVIANCA 6034 | Madrid (MAD) San Sebastian (EAS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:30 | SA AVIANCA 323 | San Salvador (SAL) Panama City (PTY) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:26 | SA AVIANCA 9538 | Bogota (BOG) Barranquilla (BAQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:25 | SA AVIANCA 260 | Sao Paulo (GIG) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:14 | SA AVIANCA 9396 | Bogota (BOG) Monteria (MTR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202507:10 | SA AVIANCA 142 | Bogota (BOG) Caracas (CCS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
22.05.202506:55 | SA AVIANCA 110 | Montevideo (MVD) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202506:51 | SA AVIANCA 2993 | El Yopal (EYP) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202506:12 | SA AVIANCA 9358 | Bogota (BOG) Medellin (MDE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202505:25 | SA AVIANCA 2992 | Bogota (BOG) El Yopal (EYP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202505:10 | SA AVIANCA 8409 | Bogota (BOG) Cali (CLO) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202500:00 | SA AVIANCA 8475 | Medellin (MDE) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202523:59 | SA AVIANCA 2329 | Seattle (SEA) (ORD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202523:25 | SA AVIANCA 120 | Bogota (BOG) London (LHR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202522:24 | SA AVIANCA 5233 | Cucuta (CUC) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202522:20 | SA AVIANCA 8449 | Bogota (BOG) Medellin (MDE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202522:09 | SA AVIANCA 8497 | Monteria (MTR) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202522:05 | SA AVIANCA 261 | Bogota (BOG) Sao Paulo (GIG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202521:44 | SA AVIANCA 9221 | Bogota (BOG) Cali (CLO) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202521:41 | SA AVIANCA 4801 | Bucaramanga (BGA) Bogota (BOG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
21.05.202521:40 | SA AVIANCA 97 | Bogota (BOG) Santiago (SCL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202521:35 | SA AVIANCA 8507 | Santa Marta (SMR) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202521:25 | SA AVIANCA 2103 | San Francisco (SFO) Los Angeles (SBP) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202521:07 | SA AVIANCA 8581 | Valledupar (VUP) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202520:55 | SA AVIANCA 9447 | Cucuta (CUC) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202520:51 | SA AVIANCA 8501 | San Andres Island (ADZ) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202520:40 | SA AVIANCA 2981 | Neiva (NVA) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202520:35 | SA AVIANCA 4634 | Brasilia (BSB) Manaus (MAO) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202520:25 | SA AVIANCA 48 | Lima (LIM) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202520:20 | SA AVIANCA 2314 | (ORD) Des Moines (DSM) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202520:04 | SA AVIANCA 4800 | Bogota (BOG) Bucaramanga (BGA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
21.05.202520:03 | SA AVIANCA 9537 | Barranquilla (BAQ) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202519:59 | SA AVIANCA 2332 | (ORD) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202519:55 | SA AVIANCA 2044 | Buffalo (BUF) New York (IAD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202519:50 | SA AVIANCA 9777 | Santa Marta (SMR) Bogota (BOG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
21.05.202519:43 | SA AVIANCA 9421 | Cucuta (CUC) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202519:25 | SA AVIANCA 2945 | Florencia (FLA) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202519:24 | SA AVIANCA 9212 | Cali (CLO) Bogota (BOG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202519:11 | SA AVIANCA 8529 | Barranquilla (BAQ) Bogota (BOG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
21.05.202519:04 | SA AVIANCA 9803 | San Andres Island (ADZ) Bogota (BOG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
