JetBlue Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Yurii Semikopenko
08.08.2024

Passengers of JetBlue who have faced a cancelled or delayed flight have a legal right to compensation. According to EU Regulation 261/2004, 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 receive the compensation you have a right 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 case of delay or flight cancellation.

JetBlue Compensation for Flight Delay

According to UK and EU regulations, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s crucial to note, that this delay compensation is based on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you land at 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 is determined by several factors, such as the duration of the delay and the route length of your flight:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance
0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Be aware you might not receive compensation for every flight delay. JetBlue is not obliged to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances outside their control occur. 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.

JetBlue Compensation for Flight Cancellation

EU 261 states that airlines are required to inform passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you might be eligible for compensation of €250-600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance. However, 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 NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative 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 calculated based on two factors: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, in line with the table below:

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

JetBlue doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Moreover, 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?

EU 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. 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 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.

ItineraryCovered 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 crucial 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 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 handle the rest. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.

These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you’re owed. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to file 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 happen, JetBlue 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: 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 arranges hotel 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 airline staff at the airport for instant assistance.

Rebooking and Refunds

When JetBlue cancels a flight, passengers have the option to receive a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel inconveniences and supporting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances successfully.

  • 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 journey, JetBlue will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose 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 necessary. Furthermore, 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 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, JetBlue shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.

Whether choosing 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.

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