Dealing with flight disruptions can be quite upsetting. However, the good news is that the European Union has laws to help travelers when things go wrong. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s a good idea to understand these protections. They can be useful if your flight goes off course.
Being aware of your options can make managing travel issues less stressful. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can make you more relaxed when things go wrong.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
When you’re flying in the EU, rest assured that there’s help available in the case of a flight disruption. EU laws guarantee airlines assist 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 stuck overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also get:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the trouble
Remember 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.
Finnair Flight Delay Compensation
Flight delays from Finnair can be very frustrating. However there’s a silver lining: if you’re delayed for more than three hours because of the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What matters is when you land, not when you depart. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
The amount you receive depends on your flight distance. A short flight won’t yield as much as a long one, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.
Curious about exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see how much money you might get:
| 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 |
Finnair Flight Cancellation Compensation
The European Union has laws to help you in case of flight cancellation. Here’s the important information:
If your flight is cancelled less than two weeks before your scheduled departure, you might get compensation of up to €600. But keep in mind – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they can get you on another flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The airline can avoid paying 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 can still receive compensation. The key factor is your arrival time at your destination.
Your potential compensation depends on a couple of points:
- The length of your flight
- The delay in your arrival
Therefore, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you may still receive some compensation.
Check out the following table for more information:
| 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 be required to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you’re just a little late, you might not be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Finnair
It’s essential to be aware of how to request the compensation you’re eligible for under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s how to do it:
- 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 understand the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your 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. No matter whether your flight was delayed because of operational reasons or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you are entitled to compensation.
Which Finnair Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are far-reaching. They apply to all flights departing from an airport in an EU member state and to all flights arriving at a European Union member state airport 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 Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means if you’re flying with any airline to, from, or within Europe, you probably have these rights. It’s important to understand these laws – they’re there to help you if something goes wrong with your flight. They guarantee you’re not abandoned when your travel plans don’t work out.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Finnair isn’t always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, situations arise that the airline can’t control, like severe weather conditions or unexpected problems.
For instance, if there’s a sudden storm, an emergency at the airport, or an air traffic control strike, Finnair cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline has no control over.
When these things happen, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties come up.