Passengers of Southwind Airlines who have faced a cancelled or delayed flight have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. In this article, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you should follow to get the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Southwind Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Southwind Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of flight cancellation or delay.
Southwind Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU regulations, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s important to note that this flight 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 arrive at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on various criteria, 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 |
Keep in mind you may not be compensated for every flight delay. Southwind Airlines is not obliged to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances outside their control arise. This covers severe weather conditions, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Southwind Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 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 may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, based on the flight distance. Nevertheless, 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 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 |
When accepting another flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is calculated according to two criteria: the distance of the flight 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 |
Southwind Airlines doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Additionally, 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 Southwind Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Southwind Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to 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 Southwind Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Southwind Airlines, it’s essential to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. For this reason, 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 handle the rest. We understand the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only pay us 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. You might have plenty of time after your flight to submit 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
Southwind Airlines goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Southwind 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 meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Southwind 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, Southwind Airlines provides hotel 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 immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Southwind Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel interruptions and helping passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive 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 trip, Southwind Airlines shall 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, Southwind 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 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. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, Southwind 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.