Passengers of Freebird Airlines who have faced a flight delay or cancellation are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU 261, airlines must compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. In this article, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you should follow to obtain the compensation you have a right to from the airline.
Freebird Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Freebird 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.
Freebird Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU laws, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s important to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you reach your destination airport.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you could be eligible for if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on several factors, including 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 might not be compensated for every flight delay. Freebird Airlines isn’t required to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances outside their control happen. This includes bad weather, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these instances, you will generally not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Freebird Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, 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 amount of compensation is determined based on two factors: the flight distance and the duration 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 |
Freebird Airlines is not obliged to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you generally won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are Freebird 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 is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Freebird 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 Freebird Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Freebird Airlines, it’s essential to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. This is why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete 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 take over. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you’re owed. There may be plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Freebird Airlines goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Freebird Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, kicks in 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: Freebird 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, Freebird Airlines arranges hotel room accommodation. This also covers 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 airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Freebird Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on another flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and supporting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.
- 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, Freebird Airlines will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Freebird Airlines shall arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s crucial to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking involves connecting flights, Freebird Airlines shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not just 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.