Spring Airlines Compensation and Reimbursement for Cancelled and Delayed Flights

Whenever flights are delayed or cancelled, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in such situations. Under EU 261/2004, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

European Union Regulation 261 is the regulation that covers air passengers’ rights. In particular, this regulation covers different situations, such as delays, flight cancellations, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with fairness and care. If the incident happens due to the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences is entitled to get compensation. Moreover, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.

Right to Compensation

EU Regulation 261 encompasses regulations concerning the process of compensation, including aid to travelers who suffered from flight problems. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per person. This sum varies, depending on your specific case.

Compensation for Spring Airlines Flight Cancellation

First and foremost, travelers should be aware that the airline must inform them about the flight cancellation. In case the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before your flight date and does not offer any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261 regulation, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.

At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger might be eligible for compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations based on the duration of the delay:

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

Compensation for Spring Airlines Flight Delay

When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is required to provide compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger may receive a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination.

Furthermore, this is the case when the airline is also required to provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See essential details on compensation in the table below:

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

Right to Care

Right to Care relates to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out regulations on assistance and compensation to passengers in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays.

The “Right to Care” under EU 261/2004 obliges airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations. These include:

• Snacks and drinks appropriate to the waiting time
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
• Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation
• Emails or faxes and two free phone calls

Upgrading and Downgrading

In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is important to know about upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.

In situations, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for instance, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not be charged extra for this upgrade.

Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to get reimbursement. Here, you should be aware that the amount of compensation fully depends on the distance of a flight:

• 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less;
• 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance;
• 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance.

Be aware that these rights cover all flights within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union operated by airlines based in the EU.

When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?

Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers aren’t eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Particularly, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are outside of the airline’s control. Some of the examples are as follows:

• Bad weather conditions and natural disasters;
• Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks);
• A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance);
• Unruly or very ill passengers;
• Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew).

Moreover, if the airline potentially could have done something to avoid problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you might be entitled to compensation.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

However, Spring Airlines isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This applies even to their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.

Itinerary	Covered by EU 261
Flights departing from the EU airports	✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at the EU airports	❌ No

How to Claim Spring Airlines Compensation

Flight delay or cancellation is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight cancellation or delay should know exactly how to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:

1. Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
2. 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 strive to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

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