Porter Airlines Compensation and Reimbursement for Cancelled and Delayed Flights

Whenever flights get cancelled or delayed, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. Under EU261, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

EU Regulation 261 is the regulation that deals with air passengers’ rights. In particular, this legislation covers different situations, including rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and obligates airlines to resolve individual cases with fairness and care. If the situation occurs due to the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences has a right to obtain compensation. In addition, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.

Right to Compensation

EU Regulation 261 includes rules regarding the process of compensation, including assistance to people who suffered from issues with flights. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can expect to receive is up to 600 euros per person. This sum ranges, according to your circumstances.

Compensation for Porter Airlines Flight Cancellation

First and foremost, travelers should be aware that the airline must inform them about the cancellation of their flight. If the airline notifies you under fourteen days before your scheduled departure and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, 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 original flight was supposed to, the passenger may also be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the duration of the delay:

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

Compensation for Porter Airlines Flight Delay

When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger may receive a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.

Furthermore, in such situations, the airline must also provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See key information about compensation in the table below:

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

Right to Care

Right to Care refers to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which establishes regulations on assistance and compensation to passengers in the event of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding.

The “Right to Care” under EU 261 obliges 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
• Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes

Upgrading and Downgrading

In situations where a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is helpful to be aware of upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.

In cases, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for instance, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay additional fees for this upgrade.

Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right to receive reimbursement. Here, you should be aware that the amount of compensation is entirely based 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 any flights inside the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union by airlines based in the EU.

When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?

Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers will not receive compensation for cancelled or delayed 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 potentially could have done something to prevent problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

However, Porter Airlines isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This applies even to their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.

Itinerary	Covered by EU 261
Flights departing from the EU airports	✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at the EU airports	❌ No

How to Claim Porter Airlines Compensation

Flight delay or cancellation 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 be aware of the process to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:

1. Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

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