Whenever flights get cancelled or delayed, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. According to EU 261, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on Avianca flight compensation, explaining when you may be entitled to it and how to claim it.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
EU Regulation 261 is the legislation that deals with the rights of air passengers. In particular, this regulation covers diverse cases, including rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with fairness and care. If the incident happens as a result of the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences has a right to obtain compensation. Moreover, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
The EU 261 contains rules regarding the compensation process, 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 ranges, depending on your specific case.
Avianca Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, travelers 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 your scheduled departure and does not offer any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261/2004, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger may also be entitled to 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 |
Avianca Flight Delay Compensation
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the delay time, with longer delays generally resulting in higher compensation amounts. When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is obligated to provide compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, this is the case when the airline also must provide a passenger with beverages, some food, 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 |
When submitting a compensation claim for a delayed flight, providing accurate flight details is essential to support your case.
Right to Care
Right to Care relates to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out common rules on assistance and compensation for travelers in cases of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations.
The “Right to Care” under EU261/2004 requires airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Meals and drinks 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
In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is important to be aware of upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In situations, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for example, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t have to pay extra for this service.
Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to obtain reimbursement. In this case, it’s important to note 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.
Consider that these rights cover every flight within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union by airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers won’t get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are outside of 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 could hypothetically have done something to avoid issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends 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.
Nevertheless, Avianca isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required 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 delay or cancellation is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight cancellation or delay should understand the steps to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will strive to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee 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 | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
08.12.202508:00 | SA AVIANCA 6989 | Toronto (YYZ) Edmonton (YEG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.12.202505:00 | SA AVIANCA 6903 | Ottawa (YOW) Toronto (YYZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202519:50 | SA AVIANCA 2282 | Chicago (ORD) Fargo (FAR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202519:39 | SA AVIANCA 2310 | Chicago (ORD) Akron/Canton (CAK) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202519:30 | SA AVIANCA 2945 | Florencia (FLA) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202518:09 | SA AVIANCA 2336 | Chicago (ORD) Knoxville (TYS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202517:37 | SA AVIANCA 2031 | New York (IAD) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202517:30 | SA AVIANCA 2996 | Bogota (BOG) Florencia (FLA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202517:15 | SA AVIANCA 2015 | New York (IAD) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202517:00 | SA AVIANCA 2301 | Chicago (IAH) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202515:45 | SA AVIANCA 2326 | Chicago (ORD) Madison (MSN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202515:05 | SA AVIANCA 565 | New York (JFK) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202514:20 | SA AVIANCA 2127 | Chicago (IAH) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202514:15 | SA AVIANCA 2018 | Dallas (DFW) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202512:37 | SA AVIANCA 2181 | Calgary (YYC) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202511:30 | SA AVIANCA 2016 | Melbourne (MEL) Los Angeles (LAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202510:35 | SA AVIANCA 2327 | Richmond (RIC) Chicago (ORD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202510:13 | SA AVIANCA 2263 | Chicago (IAH) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202508:35 | SA AVIANCA 9289 | Cartagena (CTG) Medellin (MDE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202508:30 | SA AVIANCA 9807 | Cartagena (CTG) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202507:10 | SA AVIANCA 2019 | Chicago (ORD) Dallas (DFW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202506:45 | SA AVIANCA 2305 | Fletcher (AVL) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202506:00 | SA AVIANCA 2175 | Montreal (YUL) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202506:00 | SA AVIANCA 650 | San Jose (SJO) Guatemala City (GUA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202505:05 | SA AVIANCA 8524 | Bogota (BOG) Barranquilla (BAQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202501:35 | SA AVIANCA 559 | San Francisco (SFO) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202518:30 | SA AVIANCA 2261 | Newark (EWR) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202518:16 | SA AVIANCA 2265 | Chicago (IAH) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202518:15 | SA AVIANCA 585 | New York (IAD) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202518:09 | SA AVIANCA 2336 | Chicago (ORD) Knoxville (TYS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202518:05 | SA AVIANCA 2274 | Chicago (ORD) Cleveland (CLE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202517:20 | SA AVIANCA 2923 | Manizales (MZL) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:35 | SA AVIANCA 425 | Chicago (IAH) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:35 | SA AVIANCA 9700 | Barrancabermeja (EJA) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:10 | SA AVIANCA 409 | Chicago (ORD) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:45 | SA AVIANCA 6120 | Madrid (MAD) Oviedo (OVD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:40 | SA AVIANCA 2994 | Bogota (BOG) Florencia (FLA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:40 | SA AVIANCA 651 | Cancun (CUN) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:30 | SA AVIANCA 2922 | Bogota (BOG) Manizales (MZL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:20 | SA AVIANCA 397 | Managua (MGA) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:05 | SA AVIANCA 565 | New York (JFK) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202514:45 | SA AVIANCA 9701 | Bogota (BOG) Barrancabermeja (EJA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202514:10 | SA AVIANCA 527 | Las Vegas (LAS) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202512:05 | SA AVIANCA 71 | San Salvador (SAL) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202512:05 | SA AVIANCA 424 | San Salvador (SAL) Chicago (IAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202511:25 | SA AVIANCA 2331 | St Louis (STL) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202510:13 | SA AVIANCA 2263 | Chicago (IAH) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202510:07 | SA AVIANCA 2317 | Lexington (LEX) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:35 | SA AVIANCA 320 | San Jose (SJO) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:35 | SA AVIANCA 2667 | Brasilia (BSB) Goiania (GYN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:10 | SA AVIANCA 70 | Bogota (BOG) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:55 | SA AVIANCA 2653 | Brasilia (BSB) Sao Paulo (SDU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:30 | SA AVIANCA 2924 | Bogota (BOG) Quibdo (UIB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:20 | SA AVIANCA 2084 | New York (IAD) Philadelphia (PHL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:50 | SA AVIANCA 208 | Bogota (BOG) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:30 | SA AVIANCA 2283 | Fargo (FAR) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:30 | SA AVIANCA 321 | San Salvador (SAL) San Jose (SJO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:15 | SA AVIANCA 2602 | Sao Paulo (GIG) Goiania (GYN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:15 | SA AVIANCA 8377 | Bogota (BOG) Quito (UIO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:45 | SA AVIANCA 9354 | Bogota (BOG) Medellin (MDE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:40 | SA AVIANCA 27 | Madrid (MAD) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:35 | SA AVIANCA 9802 | Pereira (PEI) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:35 | SA AVIANCA 327 | Toronto (YYZ) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:10 | SA AVIANCA 8594 | Bogota (BOG) Valledupar (VUP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:00 | SA AVIANCA 8417 | Bogota (BOG) Cali (CLO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202505:40 | SA AVIANCA 2946 | Bogota (BOG) Neiva (NVA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202505:05 | SA AVIANCA 8409 | Bogota (BOG) Cali (CLO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202503:40 | SA AVIANCA 166 | La Paz (VVI) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202502:05 | SA AVIANCA 9 | Miami (MIA) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202501:40 | SA AVIANCA 218 | Buenos Aires (EZE) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202501:35 | SA AVIANCA 240 | Santiago (SCL) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202501:20 | SA AVIANCA 248 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Bogota (BOG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202501:20 | SA AVIANCA 47 | Madrid (MAD) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:55 | SA AVIANCA 205 | Toronto (YYZ) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:10 | SA AVIANCA 2017 | San Francisco (SFO) Brisbane (BNE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:45 | SA AVIANCA 2648 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Curitiba (CWB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:35 | SA AVIANCA 2000 | Los Angeles (LAX) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:20 | SA AVIANCA 263 | Chicago (ORD) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:05 | SA AVIANCA 365 | San Salvador (SAL) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202521:40 | SA AVIANCA 121 | London (LHR) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:25 | SA AVIANCA 9458 | Bogota (BOG) Cucuta (CUC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:10 | SA AVIANCA 2082 | Norfolk (ORF) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:00 | SA AVIANCA 2053 | Columbus (CMH) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:58 | SA AVIANCA 2065 | Greensboro (GSO) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:44 | SA AVIANCA 2071 | Indianapolis (IND) New York (IAD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:40 | SA AVIANCA 2171 | Toronto (YYZ) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:40 | SA AVIANCA 4503 | Taipei (TPE) Los Angeles (LAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:30 | SA AVIANCA 9450 | Bogota (BOG) Cucuta (CUC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:25 | SA AVIANCA 4696 | Goiania (GYN) Sao Paulo (GRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:24 | SA AVIANCA 2148 | Los Angeles (LAX) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:59 | SA AVIANCA 2851 | Montreal (YUL) Toronto (YYZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:53 | SA AVIANCA 2360 | San Francisco (SFO) Vancouver (YVR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:50 | SA AVIANCA 9223 | Bogota (BOG) Cali (CLO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:40 | SA AVIANCA 2880 | Miami (MIA) Vancouver (YVR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:40 | SA AVIANCA 6962 | Toronto (YYZ) Edmonton (YEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:30 | SA AVIANCA 6953 | Montreal (YUL) Miami (MIA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:05 | SA AVIANCA 9532 | Bogota (BOG) Barranquilla (BAQ) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:00 | SA AVIANCA 4802 | Pereira (PEI) Bogota (BOG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.12.202517:55 | SA AVIANCA 2174 | Chicago (ORD) Montreal (YUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202517:55 | SA AVIANCA 8549 | Cartagena (CTG) Bogota (BOG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
