Handling flight issues can be quite upsetting. However, the good news is that the European Union has regulations to support travelers when things get messed up. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s smart to understand these protections. They can come in handy if your flight goes off course.
Understanding your rights can make dealing with travel complications much easier. While it won’t get you to your destination quicker, it can reduce your anxiety when things go wrong.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
When you’re flying in the European Union, rest assured that there’s help available in the case of a flight disruption. EU laws make sure airlines assist their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you:
- Meals and beverages
- Accommodation if you’re stranded overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re delayed for a long time or your flight is cancelled, you might also get:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Remember to ask airline representatives about these things if your plans change. They have to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
TAP Air Portugal Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from TAP Air Portugal can be really annoying. However there’s some good news: if you’re delayed for more than three hours due to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Regulations in the UK and EU are on your side. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What is important is when you reach your destination, not when you leave. So pay attention to your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
Your compensation depends on how far you’re flying. A short flight won’t yield as much as a long one, even if they’re both delayed equally.
Interested in learning exactly how much you could get? Check out the table below to see how much money you might get:
| 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 |
TAP Air Portugal Flight Cancellation Compensation
Europe has regulations to help you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s the important information:
In the event of a flight cancellation within two weeks of you’re supposed to leave, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600. But there’s a catch – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they offer you an alternative flight that doesn’t mess up your plans too much.
The airline may not need to compensate you if they provide an alternative 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 accept an alternative flight from the airline, you can still receive compensation. The most important thing is your arrival time at your destination.
Your potential compensation is based on two factors:
- How far you’re flying
- The time difference between the scheduled and actual arrival
So, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you could still be eligible for compensation.
Check out the table below to understand better:
| 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 might not have to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you’re just a little late, you might not be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from TAP Air Portugal
It’s crucial to understand how to claim the compensation you’re entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s the process:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. 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.
Don’t forget that it is your right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. Regardless of whether your flight was delayed because of operational issues or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances including inclement weather or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which TAP Air Portugal Flights are Covered by EU261?
The EU’s air passenger protection laws are comprehensive in scope. They apply to all flights departing from an airport in an EU member state and to all flights arriving at an airport in an EU member state if the flight is operated by an EU airline.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These regulations also apply to airlines from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This means if you’re flying with any airline within, to, or from Europe, you likely have these rights. It’s important to understand these regulations – they exist to help you if something goes wrong with your flight. They make sure you’re not left on your own when your travel plans fall through.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
TAP Air Portugal isn’t always responsible when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, things happen that the airline can’t control, like really bad weather or unforeseen issues.
For instance, if there’s a sudden storm, an urgent situation at the airport, or an air traffic control strike, TAP Air Portugal is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline has no control over.
When these events take place, you are unlikely to get any compensation. The airline isn’t viewed as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties arise.