Coping with flight issues can be really frustrating. However, the positive thing is that the European Union has regulations to assist travelers when things go wrong. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s smart to be aware of these regulations. They can help you out if your flight goes off course.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can make managing travel issues much easier. While it won’t get you to your destination quicker, it can help you feel less stressed 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 guarantee airlines take care of their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you:
- Food and drinks
- A hotel room if you’re stuck 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 be entitled to:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Remember to ask airline representatives about these entitlements if your plans change. They have to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Smartwings Flight Delay Compensation
Delays with flights from Smartwings can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re delayed for more than three hours owing to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What matters is when you land, not when you depart. So monitor your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
How much you get depends on how far you’re flying. A short flight won’t get you as much money as a longer flight, even if they’re both delayed for the same duration.
Want to know exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see the potential reimbursement amounts:
| 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 |
Smartwings Flight Cancellation Compensation
The EU has regulations to assist you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s what you need to know:
In the event of a flight cancellation less than two weeks before your planned travel date, you may be entitled to compensation as much as €600. But keep in mind – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they rebook you on a different flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The airline may not need to compensate you if they offer you a new 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 choose to board a different flight from the airline, you’re still eligible for compensation. The key factor is your arrival time at your destination.
The amount you could receive is determined by a couple of points:
- How far you’re flying
- How late you arrive
So, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you might still get some compensation.
Refer to the table below to see more details:
| 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 may not need to compensate you if they can provide a transfer to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you’re just a little late, you might not be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Smartwings
It’s important to be aware of the process of claiming the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
Keep in mind that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. No matter whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational reasons or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as inclement weather or air traffic control decisions, you have a right to compensation.
Which Smartwings Flights are Covered by EU261?
The European Union’s laws for protecting air passengers are far-reaching. They apply to any flight taking off from a European Union member state airport and to all flights arriving at a European Union member state airport when an EU-based airline operates the flight.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also include airlines from Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. This means if you’re flying with any airline to, from, or within Europe, you likely have these rights. It’s good to be aware of these laws – they exist to assist you if issues arise with your flight. They ensure you’re not abandoned when your trip arrangements don’t work out.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Smartwings isn’t always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. Occasionally, things happen that the airline is powerless against, like really bad weather or unexpected problems.
For instance, if there’s unexpected severe weather, an urgent situation at the airport, or an air traffic control strike, Smartwings is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about.
When these situations occur, you likely won’t get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues occur.