Passengers of SkyWest Airlines who have faced a cancelled or delayed flight are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU 261, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the actions you need to take to receive the compensation you have a right to from the airline.
SkyWest Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the SkyWest Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of delay or flight cancellation.
SkyWest 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 experiences a delay. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you land at your destination airport.
Here’s an overview of how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by several factors, including the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:
| 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 |
Be aware you may not receive compensation for every flight delay. SkyWest Airlines isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control happen. This includes 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.
SkyWest Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines have to notify passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
| 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 |
Even when accepting an alternative flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined based on two factors: the flight distance and the length of the delay, in line with the table below:
| 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 |
SkyWest Airlines doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you generally won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are SkyWest Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, SkyWest Airlines isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from SkyWest Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with SkyWest Airlines, it’s essential to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. That’s why it’s essential 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 like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and improve 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 do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
SkyWest Airlines goes the extra mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, SkyWest Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU 261, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: 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: SkyWest 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, SkyWest Airlines arranges hotel room accommodation. This covers 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 airport staff at the airport for instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When SkyWest Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on another flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel disruptions and assisting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get 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, SkyWest Airlines will 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, SkyWest Airlines shall 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 crucial 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 includes connecting flights, SkyWest Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.