Whenever flights are delayed or cancelled, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. According to EU 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 EU Regulation 261 is the regulation that covers air passengers’ rights. Specifically, this legislation covers different situations, such as delays, flight cancellations, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens as a result of the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences is entitled to get compensation. In addition, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article. Right to Compensation EU Regulation 261 encompasses regulations concerning the compensation process, including aid to travelers experiencing flight problems. In particular, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum ranges, depending on your specific case. Compensation for Lion Air Flight Cancellation First and foremost, passengers need to know that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. If the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before the date of your flight and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261/2004, must pay you compensation of 250 – 600 euros. At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger might be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the length of the delay: 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 Compensation for Lion Air Flight Delay When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is required to provide compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger may receive a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination. Furthermore, this is the case when the airline is also required to provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See essential details about compensation in the table below: Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance€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 Right to Care Right to Care relates to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out regulations on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations. The “Right to Care” under EU261 obliges airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations. These include: Snacks and beverages appropriate for the waiting time Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation Emails or faxes and two free phone calls Upgrading and Downgrading In situations where a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is important to be aware of upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class. In cases, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for example, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay extra for this upgrade. Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to obtain reimbursement. Here, it is worth mentioning that the amount of compensation is determined by the distance of a flight: 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less; 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance; 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance. Be aware that these rights apply to all flights within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union operated by airlines based in the EU. When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation? Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers will not receive compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Specifically, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are beyond the airline’s control. Some of the examples are as follows: Bad weather conditions and natural disasters; Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks); A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance); Unruly or very ill passengers; Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew). Moreover, if the airline might have been able to do something to prevent issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? EU 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also covers 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, Lion Air isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This is true even for their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing from the EU airports✔️ YesFlights arriving at the EU airports❌ No How to Claim Lion Air Compensation Flight cancellation or delay is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight cancellation or delay should understand the steps to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps: Fill in our 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 manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.