Coping with flight problems can be quite upsetting. However, the good news is that the European Union has regulations to support travelers when things go wrong. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s wise to know about these protections. They can come in handy if your flight gets messed up.
Being aware of your options can make dealing with travel complications much easier. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can help you feel less stressed when things get disrupted.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws make sure airlines look after their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you:
- Refreshments and snacks
- Accommodation 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 be entitled to:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Don’t forget to ask airline staff about these entitlements if your plans change. They are obligated to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Helvetic Airways Flight Delay Compensation
Delays with flights from Helvetic Airways can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re stuck waiting for more than three hours owing to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could get up to €600 per person. What counts is when you reach your destination, not when you leave. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on the length of your journey. A short flight won’t yield as much as a long one, even if they’re both delayed equally.
Curious about exactly how much you could get? Check out the table below to see the potential reimbursement amounts:
| 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 |
Helvetic Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation
The EU has regulations to protect you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you need to know:
If your flight gets cancelled within two weeks of your scheduled departure, you could be eligible for compensation up to €600. But there’s a catch – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they rebook you on a different flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The carrier can bypass compensation if they arrange a replacement 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 choose to board a different flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. What matters most is when you reach your final destination.
Your potential compensation is based on two things:
- The distance of your flight
- The time difference between the scheduled and actual arrival
Therefore, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you could still be eligible for compensation.
Check out the following table to see more details:
| 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 may not need 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 Helvetic Airways
It’s essential to know how to request the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Don’t forget that it is your right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. No matter whether your flight was delayed due to operational reasons or technical issues, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which Helvetic Airways Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are far-reaching. They cover every flight leaving an airport within an EU country and to all flights arriving at a European Union member state airport if the flight is operated by an EU airline.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also include airlines from Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. This means if you’re flying with any airline within, to, or from Europe, you probably have these rights. It’s important to understand these laws – they’re in place to help you if issues arise with your flight. They ensure you’re not left on your own when your travel plans don’t work out.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Helvetic Airways isn’t always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Sometimes, things happen that the airline is powerless against, like extreme weather or unexpected problems.
For instance, if there’s unexpected severe weather, an airport emergency, or air traffic controllers go on strike, Helvetic Airways is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about.
When these situations occur, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues arise.