Passengers of Cape Air who have experienced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. Under EU 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the actions you need to take to get the compensation you have a right to from the airline.
Cape Air Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Cape Air compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of delay or flight cancellation.
Cape Air Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU laws, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s important to note that this flight delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you land at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, such as the duration of the delay and the route length 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 be compensated for every flight delay. Cape Air is not obliged to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control happen. This covers severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Cape Air Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines must inform passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you could qualify for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, according to the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid paying 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 |
Even when accepting a different flight, passengers retain their entitlement to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated based on two factors: the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay, in line with the table provided 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 |
Cape Air doesn’t have to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Also, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are Cape Air Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also applies to 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, Cape Air isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged 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 Cape Air
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Cape Air, it’s essential to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. This is why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete 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 manage the process. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re owed. 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
Cape Air goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Cape Air is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Food and Drinks: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Cape 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, Cape Air arranges hotel accommodation. This 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 airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Cape Air cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on another flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel disruptions and supporting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive 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 journey, Cape Air shall provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Cape 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 entitled to a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking involves connecting flights, Cape Air will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.