Royal Air Maroc Compensation and Reimbursement for Cancelled and Delayed Flights

Whenever flights are cancelled or delayed, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in such situations. According to EU 261, 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 law that deals with air passengers’ rights. Specifically, this regulation covers different situations, such as rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens due to the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences has a right to get compensation. In addition, travelers may be eligible for certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.

Right to Compensation

European Union Regulation 261 contains regulations concerning the process of compensation, including aid to travelers affected by flight problems. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can potentially get is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, based on your circumstances.

Compensation for Royal Air Maroc Flight Cancellation

First and foremost, travelers need to know that the airline must inform them about the cancellation of their flight. If the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before your scheduled departure and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, must pay you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.

At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger might be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations according to 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 Royal Air Maroc 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 an alternative flight to the final destination.

Furthermore, in such situations, the airline must also provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See essential details on 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 pertains to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which sets out standard rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in cases of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations.

The “Right to Care” under EU261 obliges airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations. These include:

• Meals and beverages appropriate for the waiting time
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
• Transport between the airport and the hotel
• Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes

Upgrading and Downgrading

When a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is helpful to understand upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.

In situations, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for instance, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t be charged extra 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. Here, it’s important to note 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.

Consider that these rights cover 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 aren’t eligible for compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Particularly, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are outside of 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 avoid issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you might be entitled to compensation.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. 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, Royal Air Maroc isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required 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 Royal Air Maroc Compensation

Flight cancellation or delay can be a frustrating experience 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 understand the steps to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:

1. Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

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