Passengers of Caribbean Airlines who have experienced a cancelled or delayed flight have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the actions you need to take to receive the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Caribbean Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Caribbean Airlines 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.
Caribbean Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU regulations, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s essential 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 hinges on the actual time you reach your destination airport.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on several factors, 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 |
Keep in mind you might not receive compensation for every flight delay. Caribbean Airlines isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control arise. This includes severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or air traffic controller strikes. In these instances, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Caribbean Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines have to notify 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 could potentially 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 a different flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined based on two factors: the flight distance and the duration 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 |
Caribbean Airlines 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 Caribbean Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Caribbean Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to 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 Caribbean Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Caribbean Airlines, it’s essential to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. For this reason, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you’re owed. You may have plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Caribbean Airlines goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Caribbean Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU 261, 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: Caribbean Airlines 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, Caribbean Airlines 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 airport staff at the airport for instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Caribbean Airlines cancels a flight, passengers have the option to receive a full refund or rebook on another flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel interruptions and assisting passengers to manage 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 journey, Caribbean Airlines 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, Caribbean Airlines will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. 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, Caribbean Airlines shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether choosing 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.