Passengers of National Airlines who have faced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. In this article, we will look at your rights and the steps you need to take to receive the compensation you are entitled to from the airline. National Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation Before claiming the National Airlines 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. National Airlines 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 calculated using the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you reach your destination airport. Here’s an overview of how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on several factors, such as the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight: Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km Keep in mind you may not always receive compensation for every flight delay. National Airlines is not obliged to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control happen. This covers bad weather, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault. National Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you could qualify 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 Requirements14 DaysNone7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flightLess than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight Even 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 based on two factors: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, in line with the table provided 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 National Airlines doesn’t have to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Moreover, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline workers go on strike. Are National Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004? EU Regulation 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 European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. Nevertheless, National Airlines isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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 261Flights departing from EU airports✔️ YesFlights arriving at EU airports❌ No How to Claim Compensation from National Airlines If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with National Airlines, it’s important to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. For this reason, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do: Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case. These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details. What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation National Airlines goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation. Right to Care When flight disruptions happen, National Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This 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 food and drinks appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks. Communication: National Airlines 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, National Airlines arranges hotel accommodation. This also includes 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 immediate assistance. Rebooking and Refunds When National Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on another flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and helping passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances efficiently. Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive 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, National Airlines shall 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, National Airlines 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 essential 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, National Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment. Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.