Coping with flight issues can be really frustrating. However, the bright side is that the European Union has regulations to support travelers when things go wrong. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s wise to be aware of these regulations. They can help you out if your flight goes off course. Being aware of your options can make dealing with travel problems less stressful. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can reduce your anxiety when things go wrong. Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws guarantee airlines look after their passengers when things go wrong. When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you: Food and drinks A hotel room if you’re stuck overnight Transportation to and from the hotel Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes If you’re delayed for a long time or your flight is cancelled, you might also get: A refund An alternative flight Compensation to make up for the trouble Don’t forget to ask airline staff about these entitlements if your plans change. They have to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation. Helvetic Airways Flight Delay Compensation Flight delays from Helvetic Airways can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re stranded 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 in your favor. You could receive up to €600 per person. What matters is when you arrive, not when you leave. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek compensation. The amount you receive depends on how far you’re flying. A brief trip won’t yield as much as a longer flight, 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 what compensation you could receive: Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km Helvetic Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation The European Union has regulations to assist you if your flight is cancelled. Here’s what you need to know: In the event of a flight cancellation less than two weeks before your planned travel date, you could be eligible for compensation as much as €600. However, there’s a condition – the airline can avoid paying if they offer you an alternative flight that doesn’t mess up your plans too much. The airline can avoid paying you if they offer you a new flight that meets the following conditions: Advance NoticeRe-routing Requirements14 DaysNone7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flightLess than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight If you choose to board an alternative flight from the airline, you can still get compensation. The key factor is your arrival time at your destination. Your potential compensation is based on a couple of points: The distance of your flight The delay in your arrival Therefore, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you might still get some compensation. Check out the following table to see more details: 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 The airline might not have to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you arrive shortly after the scheduled time, you might not be entitled to compensation. How to Claim Compensation from Helvetic Airways It’s important to understand how to claim the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s the process: 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 well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case. Remember 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 issues or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you are entitled to compensation. Which Helvetic Airways Flights are Covered by EU261? The EU’s air passenger protection laws are far-reaching. They apply to all flights departing from a European Union member state airport and any flight coming into a European Union member state airport provided the airline is based in the EU. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing EU airports✅ CoveredFlights arriving at EU airports✅ Covered These laws also cover airlines from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This means when you travel with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you likely have these rights. It’s good to know about these laws – they’re there to help you if issues arise with your flight. They make sure you’re not stranded when your trip arrangements fall through. When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation Helvetic Airways isn’t always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, things happen that the airline has no control over, like extreme weather or unexpected problems. For instance, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an emergency at the airport, or air traffic controllers go on strike, Helvetic Airways cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about. When these events take place, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties occur.