Passengers of Empire Airlines who have faced a delayed or cancelled flight are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. In this article, we will look at your rights and the actions you need to take to receive the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Empire Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Empire 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.
Empire Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU regulations, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you reach your final destination.
Here’s an overview of how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation depends on several factors, such as the duration of the delay and the distance 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 may not receive compensation for every flight delay. Empire Airlines is not obliged to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control arise. This includes bad weather, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Empire Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines have to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, based on the flight distance. However, 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 right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined based on two criteria: the flight distance and the length 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 |
Empire Airlines is not obliged to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Also, you generally won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are Empire Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Empire Airlines is not 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 Empire Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Empire Airlines, it’s crucial to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. For this reason, it’s essential 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 such as 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 know the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of getting the compensation you’re entitled to. You may have plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to file it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Empire Airlines goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Empire Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The 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: Empire 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, Empire Airlines arranges 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 airline staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Empire Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel disruptions and helping 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, Empire Airlines will 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, Empire Airlines shall arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s essential 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 includes connecting flights, Empire 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 make this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.