Whenever flights get delayed or cancelled, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in such situations. Under EU 261/2004, if your flight is disrupted, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 European Union Regulation 261 is the law that deals with the rights of air passengers. Specifically, this regulation covers diverse cases, including flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens as a result of the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences has a right to receive compensation. Furthermore, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article. Right to Compensation EU Regulation 261 encompasses rules concerning the compensation process, including aid to travelers who suffered from flight problems. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can expect to receive is up to 600 euros per person. This sum ranges, based on your specific case. Compensation for Flair Airlines Flight Cancellation First and foremost, passengers should be aware that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. In case the airline notifies you under fourteen days before your flight date and does not provide 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 according to the length of the delay: Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km Compensation for Flair Airlines Flight Delay When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is required to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger may receive a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination. Furthermore, in such situations, the airline is also required to provide a passenger with beverages, some food, and accommodation. See key information on compensation in the table below: Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km Right to Care Right to Care relates to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which sets out standard rules on assistance and compensation to passengers in cases of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations. The “Right to Care” under EU 261 obliges airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations. These include: Meals and beverages appropriate to the waiting time Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes Upgrading and Downgrading In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is helpful to know about upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class. In situations, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for instance, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay additional fees for this upgrade. Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to receive reimbursement. Here, it’s important to note that the amount of compensation is determined by 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 operated by airlines based in the EU. When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation? Unfortunately, there are situations, when passengers will not receive compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Particularly, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are not within 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 potentially could have done something to avoid problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers 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, Flair Airlines isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing from the EU airports✔️ YesFlights arriving at the EU airports❌ No How to Claim Flair Airlines 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 cancellation or delay should be aware of the process to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps: 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 manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.