Passengers of JetBlue who have experienced a flight delay or cancellation have a legal right to compensation. According to EU Regulation 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the actions you need to take to receive the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
JetBlue Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the JetBlue compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of flight cancellation or delay.
JetBlue Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU laws, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you reach 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 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 |
Be aware you may not always be compensated for every flight delay. JetBlue isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control occur. This covers severe weather conditions, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these instances, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
JetBlue Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines must notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may 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 |
When accepting another flight, passengers retain their entitlement to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined according to two factors: the distance of the flight 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 |
JetBlue is not obliged to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Also, 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 JetBlue Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU 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.
However, JetBlue isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required 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 JetBlue
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with JetBlue, it’s essential to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. For this reason, 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 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 are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and increase 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 do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
JetBlue goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, JetBlue 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:
- Meals and Refreshments: 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: JetBlue 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, JetBlue provides hotel accommodation. This also includes transportation between 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 JetBlue cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel interruptions and supporting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get 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, JetBlue shall 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, JetBlue will arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. 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 important 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 includes connecting flights, JetBlue will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.