SkyWest Airlines Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Yurii Semikopenko
08.08.2024

Passengers of SkyWest Airlines who have faced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. Under EU 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. In this article, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you should follow to get the compensation you are entitled 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 case of delay or flight cancellation.

SkyWest Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay

In line with UK and EU regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s essential to note, that this delay compensation is based on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you reach your destination airport.

Here’s an overview of how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on several factors, such as the duration of the delay and the route length of your flight:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance
0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Keep in mind you may not receive compensation for every flight delay. SkyWest Airlines is not obliged to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control happen. This includes severe weather conditions, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will usually not be given compensation 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 cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you could qualify for compensation of between €250 and €600 per passenger, according to the flight distance. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:

Advance NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight

Even when accepting a different flight, passengers retain their entitlement to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is calculated based on two criteria: the flight distance and the length of the delay, in line with the table below:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

SkyWest Airlines is not obliged to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Also, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline staff goes on strike.

Are SkyWest Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?

EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies to 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. Consequently, they don’t have 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.

ItineraryCovered 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 delay or cancellation with SkyWest Airlines, it’s important to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. This is why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
  • Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to file 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 additional mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by offering 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:

  • Food and Drinks: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages 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 accommodation. This also covers transportation between 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 airline staff at the airport for immediate assistance.

Rebooking and Refunds

When SkyWest Airlines cancels a flight, passengers have the option to receive a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel disruptions and assisting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.

  • 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 will 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 important to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re entitled to a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking involves connecting flights, SkyWest Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.

Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.

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