Whenever flights get delayed or cancelled, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in such situations. Under EU 261, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on EL AL flight compensation, explaining when you may be entitled to it and how to claim it.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
The EU 261 is the legislation that covers the rights of air passengers. More precisely, this legislation covers diverse cases, such as delays, flight cancellations, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with care and fairness. If the situation occurs because of the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences has a right to obtain compensation. In addition, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
European Union Regulation 261 contains regulations concerning the compensation process, including assistance for passengers who suffered from issues with flights. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can expect to receive is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, depending on your circumstances.
EL AL Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, travelers need to know that the airline must inform them about the flight cancellation. If the airline informs you less than fourteen days before your scheduled departure and does not offer 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 could be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations based on the duration 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 |
EL AL 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 is entitled to a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, this is the case when the airline must also provide a passenger with food, drinks, 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 |
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 refers to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which sets out regulations on assistance and compensation to passengers in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays.
The “Right to Care” under EU261/2004 requires airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers facing 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
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
Upgrading and Downgrading
When a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is good to know about upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In cases, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for instance, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t have to pay extra for this service.
Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to obtain reimbursement. Here, you should be aware 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.
Keep in mind that these rights apply to any flights inside 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 situations, when passengers aren’t eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Particularly, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are outside of the airline’s control. Some of the 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 prevent problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you can claim compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 covers 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, EL AL isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This is true even for 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 EL AL Compensation
Flight cancellation or delay can be a frustrating experience that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight delay or cancellation should know exactly how to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Fill in this 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 take over. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only pay us 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.01.202619:40 | El Al 8451 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:30 | El Al 9607 | (TLV) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:00 | El Al 8485 | (USM) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:20 | El Al 9629 | (MEL) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:30 | El Al 8491 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:30 | El Al 8499 | (HKT) (USM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:15 | El Al 8411 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:35 | El Al 9643 | (SYD) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:00 | El Al 8285 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:10 | El Al 9601 | (TLV) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:25 | El Al 9753 | (CDG) (ARN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:25 | El Al 9289 | (WAW) (KRK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:15 | El Al 9738 | (ARN) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202622:55 | El Al 9257 | (WAW) (KRK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:30 | El Al 8458 | (THS) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:15 | El Al 8455 | (BKK) (TDX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:40 | El Al 8457 | (BKK) (THS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:00 | El Al 9213 | (MAD) (SDQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:55 | El Al 9765 | (FCO) (CPH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:50 | El Al 4141 | (ATL) (BOS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:12 | El Al 4529 | (BOS) (ATL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:05 | El Al 4480 | (LAX) (PDX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:40 | El Al 2372 | (BER) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:30 | El Al 4255 | (LAX) (CUN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:10 | El Al 386 | (FCO) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:05 | El Al 4528 | (BOS) (ATL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:00 | El Al 4484 | (LAX) (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:55 | El Al 4434 | (JFK) (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:30 | El Al 4576 | (BOS) (LAX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:15 | El Al 4137 | (BOS) (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202606:00 | El Al 2371 | (TLV) (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202623:59 | El Al 9209 | (MAD) (SCL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202622:05 | El Al 9503 | (OTP) (RMO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202619:50 | El Al 8492 | (HKT) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202619:40 | El Al 8451 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:59 | El Al 4432 | (JFK) (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:20 | El Al 9629 | (MEL) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:05 | El Al 9775 | (LHR) (ARN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:30 | El Al 8458 | (THS) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:30 | El Al 8491 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202616:55 | El Al 2367 | (TLV) (BUD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202616:40 | El Al 4498 | (JFK) (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202616:35 | El Al 363 | (TLV) (VIE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202616:25 | El Al 9788 | (OSL) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.01.202616:15 | El Al 8455 | (BKK) (TDX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202615:55 | El Al 9843 | (TLV) (CDG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202615:50 | El Al 8493 | (BKK) (USM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202615:40 | El Al 8457 | (BKK) (THS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202615:05 | El Al 8381 | (BKK) (CNX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202615:05 | El Al 9729 | (WAW) (TLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202615:00 | El Al 9252 | (WAW) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202615:00 | El Al 8285 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202614:45 | El Al 324 | (CDG) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202614:25 | El Al 9605 | (AUH) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202614:20 | El Al 316 | (LHR) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202614:15 | El Al 9513 | (OTP) (TSR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202614:10 | El Al 9601 | (TLV) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202614:00 | El Al 973 | (TLV) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202613:55 | El Al 8413 | (BKK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202613:55 | El Al 8404 | (TPE) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202613:45 | El Al 8498 | (USM) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202613:40 | El Al 375 | (TLV) (LIS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202613:05 | El Al 9822 | (OSL) (LHR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202612:40 | El Al 348 | (ZRH) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202612:40 | El Al 209 | (TLV) (LHR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202612:20 | El Al 9761 | (CDG) (OSL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202612:15 | El Al 396 | (MAD) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202612:15 | El Al 8408 | (CNX) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202612:00 | El Al 9288 | (KRK) (WAW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:50 | El Al 8429 | (HKT) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:45 | El Al 8282 | (NRT) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:40 | El Al 8440 | (FUK) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:30 | El Al 338 | (AMS) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:20 | El Al 552 | (SOF) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:15 | El Al 382 | (MXP) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:05 | El Al 320 | (CDG) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:05 | El Al 221 | (TLV) (CDG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:00 | El Al 394 | (BCN) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:00 | El Al 346 | (GVA) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:00 | El Al 358 | (FRA) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:55 | El Al 354 | (MUC) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:50 | El Al 312 | (LTN) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:40 | El Al 2372 | (BER) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:35 | El Al 8290 | (HAN) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:25 | El Al 542 | (ATH) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:25 | El Al 8414 | (HKT) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:15 | El Al 8286 | (SGN) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:10 | El Al 8478 | (CNX) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:10 | El Al 386 | (FCO) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:10 | El Al 5102 | (WAW) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202610:00 | El Al 8442 | (CTS) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202609:50 | El Al 574 | (OTP) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202609:35 | El Al 8494 | (KBV) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202609:35 | El Al 8283 | (ICN) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202609:15 | El Al 8242 | (HAN) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202608:59 | El Al 4167 | (JFK) (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202608:55 | El Al 9842 | (CDG) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202608:20 | El Al 8415 | (BKK) (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202600:50 | El Al 9292 | (KRK) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202600:35 | El Al 12 | (JFK) (TLV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
