Coping with flight disruptions can be really frustrating. However, the positive thing is that the European Union has laws to support travelers when things go wrong. If you’re flying in the EU, it’s a good idea to be aware of these regulations. They can be useful if your flight goes off course.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make dealing with travel issues much easier. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can help you feel less stressed when things go wrong.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
If your flight has problems in the EU, you’ll get help. EU laws make sure airlines look after their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must offer you:
- Meals and beverages
- A hotel room if you’re stranded 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 get:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the trouble
Remember to ask airline workers about these things if your plans change. They are obligated to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
LEVEL Flight Delay Compensation
Flight delays from LEVEL can be very frustrating. However there’s a bright side: if you’re delayed for more than three hours due 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 land, not when you take off. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on your flight distance. A brief trip won’t yield as much as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.
Want to know exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see what compensation you could receive:
| 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 |
LEVEL Flight Cancellation Compensation
The European Union has laws to protect you in case of flight cancellation. Here’s the important information:
If your flight is cancelled within two weeks of your planned travel date, you could be eligible for compensation up to €600. However, there’s a condition – the airline can avoid paying if they can get you on another flight that doesn’t mess up your plans too much.
The airline may not need to compensate you if they provide an alternative 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 another flight from the airline, you can still get compensation. What matters most is your arrival time at your destination.
The amount you could receive is based on two factors:
- The length of your flight
- How late you arrive
So, even if the new flight doesn’t get there on time, you might still get some compensation.
Look at the table below for more information:
| 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 might not be required to compensate you if they can provide a transfer to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you’re just a little late, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from LEVEL
It’s essential to be aware of the process of claiming the compensation you’re eligible for 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 problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Remember that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational issues or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or air traffic control decisions, you are entitled to compensation.
Which LEVEL Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union have a wide-ranging scope. They apply to any flight taking off from an airport within an EU country and every flight landing at a European Union member state airport provided the airline is based in the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also cover airlines from Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means if you’re flying with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s helpful to be aware of these laws – they’re in place to assist you if problems occur with your flight. They ensure you’re not stranded when your trip arrangements fall through.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
LEVEL isn’t always at fault when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, events occur that the airline is powerless against, like really bad weather or unexpected problems.
For example, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an urgent situation at the airport, or an air traffic control strike, LEVEL cannot be held accountable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about.
When these events take place, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues come up.