Whenever flights are delayed or cancelled, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. According to EU261, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 EU Regulation 261 is the regulation that deals with air passengers’ rights. In particular, this law covers different situations, including flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with care and fairness. If the situation occurs due to the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences has a right to obtain compensation. In addition, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article. Right to Compensation EU Regulation 261 includes regulations regarding the compensation process, including aid for passengers affected by issues with flights. In particular, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, depending on your circumstances. Compensation for FlyOne Flight Cancellation First and foremost, passengers should be aware that the airline is required to notify them about the cancellation of their flight. If the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before the date of your flight and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros. At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger could be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on 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 FlyOne Flight Delay When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for five or more hours, the passenger is entitled to a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination. Furthermore, this is the case when the airline also must provide a passenger with beverages, some food, and accommodation. See key information about 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 refers to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out standard rules on assistance and compensation to passengers in cases of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding. The “Right to Care” under EU 261 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations. These include: Meals and beverages appropriate for 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 understand upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class. In situations, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for example, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t have to pay extra for this upgrade. Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you can get reimbursement. Here, you should be aware 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 every flight within 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 cases, when passengers won’t get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Specifically, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are not within the airline’s control. A few 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 might have been able to do something to prevent issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you can claim compensation. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? EU 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers 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, FlyOne is not a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required 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 FlyOne Compensation Flight cancellation or delay can be a frustrating experience that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight cancellation or delay should understand the steps to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps: Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.