Handling flight issues can be quite upsetting. However, the good news is that the European Union has regulations to support travelers when things go wrong. If you’re traveling by air in the EU, it’s wise to understand these protections. They can come in handy if your flight goes off course.
Understanding your rights can make handling travel issues a lot simpler. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can reduce your anxiety when things get disrupted.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
When you’re flying in the European Union, rest assured that there’s assistance available in the case of a flight disruption. EU laws make sure airlines look after 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 experiencing a significant delay or your flight is cancelled, you might also be entitled to:
- A refund
- An alternative flight
- Compensation to make up for the trouble
Remember to ask airline workers about these entitlements if your plans change. They are obligated to tell you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Volotea Flight Delay Compensation
Delays with flights from Volotea can be very frustrating. However there’s some good news: if you’re stranded 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 get up to €600 per person. What counts is when you land, not when you depart. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
Your compensation depends on your flight distance. A short flight won’t yield as much as a long one, even if they’re both delayed equally.
Curious about exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see what compensation you could receive:
| 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 |
Volotea Flight Cancellation Compensation
The EU has regulations to assist you if your flight is cancelled. Here’s the important information:
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 can avoid paying if they can get you on another 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 can still get compensation. What matters most is your arrival time at your destination.
The amount you could receive is determined by two factors:
- How far you’re flying
- The time difference between the scheduled and actual arrival
As a result, even if the new flight doesn’t get there on time, you could still be eligible for compensation.
Check out the table below for more information:
| 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 be required 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 Volotea
It’s crucial to know how to claim the compensation you’re eligible for 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 handle the rest. We know the EU laws well and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Keep in mind that it is your right as a passenger to claim compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. No matter whether your flight was delayed due to operational reasons or technical difficulties, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances like adverse weather conditions or air traffic control decisions, you qualify for compensation.
Which Volotea Flights are Covered by EU261?
The European Union’s laws for protecting air passengers are far-reaching. They cover any flight taking off from an airport in an EU member state and any flight coming into an airport within an EU country provided the airline is based in the EU.
| 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 traveling with any airline within, to, or from Europe, you most likely have these rights. It’s helpful to understand these laws – they’re there to help you if issues arise with your flight. They guarantee you’re not abandoned when your trip arrangements fall through.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Volotea isn’t always at fault when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, things happen that the airline has no control over, like severe weather conditions or unforeseen issues.
For example, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an emergency at the airport, or air traffic controllers go on strike, Volotea is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline is unable to prevent.
When these situations occur, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline isn’t seen as doing anything wrong when these unforeseen difficulties occur.