Whenever flights get cancelled or delayed, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. According to EU261, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 The EU 261 is the regulation that deals with the rights of air passengers. In particular, this law covers different situations, including rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and obligates airlines to handle individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens as a result of the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences has a right to receive compensation. Furthermore, travelers may be eligible for certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article. Right to Compensation The EU 261 contains rules concerning the process of compensation, including aid to people who suffered from flight problems. In particular, the amount of compensation you can potentially get is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, according to your specific case. Compensation for Maya Island Air Flight Cancellation First and foremost, travelers need to know that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. If the airline informs you under fourteen days before the date of your flight and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261/2004, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros. At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger could be eligible for compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations according to 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 Maya Island Air Flight Delay When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is required to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination. Furthermore, in such situations, the airline also must 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 pertains to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which establishes standard rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays. The “Right to Care” under EU 261/2004 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations. These include: Snacks and drinks appropriate to 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 situations, 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 additional fees for this service. Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right to get reimbursement. In this case, you should be aware that the amount of compensation fully depends on 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. Keep in mind 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 situations, when passengers won’t get compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are not within 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). In addition, if the airline might have been able to do something to avoid issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you can claim compensation. Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004? EU 261 applies to 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, Maya Island Air isn’t a European airline. Therefore, 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 Maya Island Air Compensation Flight delay or cancellation is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight cancellation or delay should know exactly how to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps: Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.