Handling flight problems can be quite upsetting. However, the positive thing is that the European Union has laws to support travelers when things don’t go as planned. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s a good idea to understand these protections. They can help you out if your flight gets messed up.
Being aware of your options can make dealing with travel complications a lot simpler. While it won’t speed up your journey, it can reduce your anxiety when things go wrong.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws ensure airlines assist their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you:
- Refreshments and snacks
- A hotel room if you’re stranded overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re delayed for a long time or your flight is cancelled, you might also receive:
- A refund
- An alternative flight
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Remember to inquire with airline staff about these entitlements if your plans change. They must inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
PLAY Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from PLAY Airlines can be very frustrating. However there’s a silver lining: if you’re stranded for more than three hours because of the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What is important is when you reach your destination, not when you take off. So monitor your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on how far you’re flying. A brief trip won’t get you as much money as a long one, even if they’re both delayed equally.
Interested in learning 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 |
PLAY Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
The European Union has regulations to assist you in case of flight cancellation. Here’s the important information:
If your flight gets cancelled less than two weeks before your planned travel date, you might get compensation of up to €600. But there’s a catch – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they rebook you on a different flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The carrier can bypass compensation if they offer you a new 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 agree to take a different flight from the airline, you can still receive compensation. What matters most is when you reach your final destination.
The amount you could receive is based on two things:
- The distance of your flight
- How late you arrive
As a result, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you may still receive some compensation.
Look at the following table 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 may not need 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 eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from PLAY Airlines
It’s important to be aware of the process of claiming the compensation you deserve under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including 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 are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
Don’t forget that you’re entitled as a passenger to claim compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational issues or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances including severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which PLAY Airlines Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are comprehensive in scope. They apply to every flight leaving an airport in an EU member state and any flight coming into an airport in an EU member state if the flight is operated by an EU airline.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These regulations also apply to airlines from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This means when you travel with any airline to, from, or within Europe, you likely have these rights. It’s important to understand these laws – they’re there to support you if problems occur with your flight. They ensure you’re not left on your own when your trip arrangements fall through.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
PLAY Airlines isn’t necessarily responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Sometimes, things happen that the airline can’t control, like really bad weather or unexpected problems.
For instance, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an urgent situation at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers, PLAY Airlines is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline is unable to prevent.
When these situations occur, you are unlikely to get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties occur.