Dealing with flight disruptions can be really frustrating. However, the bright side is that the European Union has regulations to support travelers when things get messed up. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s wise to know about these regulations. They can come in handy if your flight goes off course.
Being aware of your options can make dealing with travel issues much easier. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can reduce your anxiety when things don’t go as planned.
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 offer 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 experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also get:
- A refund
- An alternative flight
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Remember to ask airline representatives about these things if your plans change. They must inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Sky Express Flight Delay Compensation
Delays with flights from Sky Express can be very frustrating. However there’s a silver lining: if you’re stuck waiting for more than three hours owing to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Regulations in the UK and EU are on your side. You could receive up to €600 per person. What matters is when you reach your destination, not when you leave. So pay attention to 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 yield as much as a long one, even if they’re both delayed equally.
Curious about 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 |
Sky Express Flight Cancellation Compensation
Europe has laws to protect you in case of flight cancellation. Here’s what you need to know:
If your flight gets cancelled within two weeks of you’re supposed to leave, you may be entitled to compensation as much as €600. But there’s a catch – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they rebook you on a different flight that doesn’t significantly disrupt your travel.
The airline may not need to compensate you if they arrange a replacement 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 get compensation. What matters most is when you reach your final destination.
Your potential compensation is determined by two things:
- The distance of your flight
- The time difference between the scheduled and actual arrival
So, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you might still get some compensation.
Look at the table below to understand better:
| 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 might not be required to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you’re just a little late, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Sky Express
It’s crucial 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 this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- 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 obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
Keep in mind that it is your right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational issues or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances including severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which Sky Express Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are far-reaching. They cover all flights departing from an airport in an EU member state and any flight coming into an airport in an EU member state provided the airline is based in the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also apply to airlines from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This means when you travel with any airline within, to, or from Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s good to know about these regulations – they exist to help you if problems occur with your flight. They ensure you’re not left on your own when your travel plans go awry.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Sky Express isn’t always at fault when flights are delayed or cancelled. Sometimes, things happen that the airline has no control over, like severe weather conditions or unforeseen issues.
For instance, if there’s unexpected severe weather, an emergency at the airport, or an air traffic control strike, Sky Express is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline is unable to prevent.
When these things happen, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t viewed as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties come up.