Passengers of Horizon Air who have faced a cancelled or delayed flight are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the steps you need to take to receive the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Horizon Air Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Horizon Air 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.
Horizon Air Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU laws, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you land at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, including the duration of the delay and the route length 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 |
Keep in mind you may not be compensated for every flight delay. Horizon Air isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control arise. This covers bad weather, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Horizon Air Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you might be eligible for 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 may avoid 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 |
When accepting another flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined according to two factors: the flight distance and the length 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 |
Horizon Air isn’t required to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Horizon Air Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends 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, Horizon Air isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to 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 Horizon Air
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Horizon Air, it’s crucial to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. That’s why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete our 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 are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and improve your chances of getting the compensation you’re owed. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Horizon Air goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Horizon Air is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, becomes applicable 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: Horizon Air 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, Horizon Air provides hotel accommodation. This also includes 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 airline staff at the airport for instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Horizon Air cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This flexibility is essential for minimizing travel interruptions and assisting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
- 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 trip, Horizon Air 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, Horizon Air shall arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s essential to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re entitled to a partial refund of the cost difference. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, Horizon Air will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.