Dealing with flight issues can be quite upsetting. However, the positive thing is that the European Union has laws to support travelers when things don’t go as planned. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s smart to know about these regulations. They can help you out if your flight goes off course.
Understanding your rights can make managing travel complications much easier. While it won’t get you to your destination quicker, it can make you more relaxed when things get disrupted.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws guarantee airlines take care of their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you:
- Refreshments and snacks
- A hotel room if you’re stranded overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re delayed for a long time or your flight is cancelled, you might also be entitled to:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the trouble
Don’t forget to ask airline workers about these things if your plans change. They are obligated to tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Azores Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from Azores Airlines can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re stranded for more than three hours owing to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Regulations in the UK and EU are in your favor. You could get up to €600 per person. What counts is when you arrive, not when you leave. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
Your compensation depends on the length of your journey. A short flight won’t yield as much as a long one, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.
Interested in learning exactly how much you could get? Check out the table below to see what compensation you could receive:
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 |
Azores Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
Europe has laws to protect you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you should know:
In the event of a flight cancellation less than two weeks before your scheduled departure, you might get compensation of up to €600. But there’s a catch – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they rebook you on a different flight that doesn’t significantly disrupt your travel.
The airline may not need to compensate you if they offer you a new flight that meets the following conditions:
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 |
If you accept a different flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. What matters most is when you reach your final destination.
Your potential compensation depends on two factors:
- The distance of your flight
- How late you arrive
As a result, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you might still get some compensation.
Look at the following table to see more details:
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 |
The airline might not have to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even with a slight delay, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Azores Airlines
It’s essential to be aware of the process of claiming the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Keep in mind that it is your right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed due to operational reasons or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like adverse weather conditions or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which Azores Airlines Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are far-reaching. They cover any flight taking off from an airport within an EU country and every flight landing at an airport in an EU member state provided the airline is based in the EU.
Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also apply to airlines from Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. This means if you’re traveling with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s good to understand these laws – they’re there to support you if problems occur with your flight. They make sure you’re not abandoned when your travel plans don’t work out.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Azores Airlines isn’t always at fault when flights are delayed or cancelled. Sometimes, things happen that the airline is powerless against, like severe weather conditions or unforeseen issues.
For instance, if there’s unexpected severe weather, an emergency at the airport, or an air traffic control strike, Azores Airlines isn’t responsible. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about.
When these situations occur, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties occur.
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.