Whenever flights are cancelled or delayed, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in these situations. Under EU 261, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on WestJet flight compensation, explaining when you may be entitled to it and how to claim it.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
EU Regulation 261 is the legislation that deals with the rights of air passengers. More precisely, this regulation covers different situations, including rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with care and fairness. If the situation occurs because of the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences has a right to obtain compensation. Furthermore, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
The EU 261 contains rules concerning the process of compensation, including aid to travelers experiencing issues with flights. In particular, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per person. This sum varies, according to your specific case.
WestJet Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, passengers need to know that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. If the airline informs you less than fourteen days before your flight date and does not offer any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger could be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations according to the length 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 |
WestJet Flight Delay Compensation
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the delay time, with longer delays generally resulting in higher compensation amounts. When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to pay 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 |
When submitting a compensation claim for a delayed flight, providing accurate flight details is essential to support your case.
Right to Care
Right to Care pertains to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations.
The “Right to Care” under EU 261 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Snacks and beverages appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is important to understand upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In situations, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for example, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t be charged extra for this service.
Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right 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.
Keep in mind that these rights cover any flights inside the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union by airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers won’t get compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are beyond 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).
In addition, if the airline could hypothetically have done something to prevent problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers 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.
Nevertheless, WestJet is not a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required 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 WestJet Compensation
Flight delay or cancellation can be a frustrating experience that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight cancellation or delay should know exactly how to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- 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 secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
12.11.202520:45 | WestJet 5076 | Paris (CDG) Venice (VCE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202518:20 | WestJet 6418 | Atlanta (ATL) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202517:05 | WestJet 6483 | Atlanta (ATL) New York (RSW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202516:40 | WestJet 8631 | Seattle (SEA) San Francisco (SFO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202516:40 | WestJet 8631 | Seattle (SEA) San Francisco (SFO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202516:20 | WestJet 7334 | Seattle (SEA) Boise (BOI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202516:20 | WestJet 7334 | Seattle (SEA) Boise (BOI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202516:12 | WestJet 8248 | New York (RSW) Atlanta (ATL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202515:40 | WestJet 5005 | Paris (CDG) Venice (VCE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202515:28 | WestJet 7009 | Detroit (DTW) Savannah (SAV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202515:25 | WestJet 5037 | Paris (CDG) Frankfurt (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202515:20 | WestJet 7595 | New York (LGA) Savannah (SAV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202515:00 | WestJet 5091 | Paris (CDG) Budapest (BUD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202514:02 | WestJet 7998 | Detroit (DTW) New York (RSW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202513:50 | WestJet 5402 | Boise (BOI) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202513:50 | WestJet 5402 | Boise (BOI) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202513:27 | WestJet 6774 | Atlanta (ATL) New York (RSW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202513:00 | WestJet 6903 | New York (LGA) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202512:40 | WestJet 8735 | Minot (MOT) Minneapolis (MSP) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202512:14 | WestJet 8076 | Columbus (CMH) New York (JFK) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202512:05 | WestJet 6379 | Atlanta (ATL) San Antonio (SAT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:56 | WestJet 8181 | Jacksonville (OAJ) Atlanta (ATL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:40 | WestJet 8538 | Vancouver (YVR) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:40 | WestJet 2935 | Santa Clara (SNU) Qu?bec City (YQB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:40 | WestJet 7677 | Medford (MFR) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:40 | WestJet 8538 | Vancouver (YVR) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:40 | WestJet 7677 | Medford (MFR) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:30 | WestJet 7171 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Detroit (DTW) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:24 | WestJet 8213 | Eugene (EUG) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:24 | WestJet 8213 | Eugene (EUG) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:20 | WestJet 8657 | Redmond (RDM) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:20 | WestJet 8657 | Redmond (RDM) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:09 | WestJet 6719 | Fayetteville (FAY) Atlanta (ATL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:05 | WestJet 2560 | Toronto (YYZ) Kingston (KIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202511:04 | WestJet 5597 | Salt Lake City (SLC) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202510:59 | WestJet 6713 | Fargo (FAR) Minneapolis (MSP) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202510:58 | WestJet 6587 | Sioux Falls (FSD) Minneapolis (MSP) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202510:49 | WestJet 6812 | Atlanta (ATL) New York (RSW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202510:10 | WestJet 8739 | Minneapolis (MSP) Minot (MOT) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202510:00 | WestJet 2652 | Ottawa (YOW) Higuey (PUJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202509:59 | WestJet 7031 | San Diego (SAN) Los Angeles (LAX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202509:46 | WestJet 7854 | Atlanta (ATL) Jacksonville (OAJ) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202509:25 | WestJet 7086 | Atlanta (ATL) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202509:15 | WestJet 6073 | Seoul (ICN) Bangkok (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202509:15 | WestJet 8170 | Raleigh (RDU) New York (LGA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202509:10 | WestJet 6900 | Atlanta (ATL) Fayetteville (FAY) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202509:00 | WestJet 6925 | Atlanta (ATL) Buffalo (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202509:00 | WestJet 7769 | Minneapolis (MSP) Sioux Falls (FSD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202509:00 | WestJet 6722 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Atlanta (ATL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202508:55 | WestJet 7762 | Minneapolis (MSP) Fargo (FAR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
12.11.202506:55 | WestJet 2718 | Toronto (YYZ) Santa Clara (SNU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202506:40 | WestJet 2924 | Montreal (YUL) Santa Clara (SNU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202501:35 | WestJet 6030 | Singapore (SIN) Seoul (ICN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
12.11.202500:55 | WestJet 6036 | Hong Kong (HKG) Seoul (ICN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202523:30 | WestJet 3631 | Calgary (YYC) Kamloops (YKA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202522:55 | WestJet 6689 | Atlanta (ATL) New York (RSW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202522:30 | WestJet 6032 | Singapore (SIN) Seoul (ICN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202522:30 | WestJet 6442 | Atlanta (ATL) Columbia (CAE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202521:30 | WestJet 7217 | Detroit (DTW) Raleigh (RDU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202521:20 | WestJet 8635 | Los Angeles (LAX) San Francisco (SFO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202520:45 | WestJet 771 | Toronto (YYZ) Kelowna (YLW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202520:05 | WestJet 6544 | Detroit (DTW) Indianapolis (IND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202520:05 | WestJet 6648 | Detroit (DTW) Madison (MSN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202520:00 | WestJet 6035 | Seoul (ICN) Hong Kong (HKG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202519:55 | WestJet 208 | Kelowna (YLW) Calgary (YYC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202519:50 | WestJet 3466 | Vancouver (YVR) Kelowna (YLW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202519:40 | WestJet 2171 | Cancun (CUN) Kelowna (YLW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202519:30 | WestJet 8293 | Minneapolis (MSP) New York (RSW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202518:55 | WestJet 185 | Calgary (YYC) Kelowna (YLW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202518:35 | WestJet 8510 | West Palm Beach (PBI) Atlanta (ATL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202518:30 | WestJet 6031 | Seoul (ICN) Singapore (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202518:30 | WestJet 6041 | Seoul (ICN) Da Nang (DAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202518:00 | WestJet 7473 | New York (LGA) Columbia (CAE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202518:00 | WestJet 5124 | Paris (CDG) Bordeaux (BOD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202517:40 | WestJet 6577 | Detroit (DTW) Newark (EWR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202517:12 | WestJet 8164 | Moline (MLI) Atlanta (ATL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202517:10 | WestJet 7435 | New York (LGA) Nashville (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202517:04 | WestJet 8574 | Tampa (TPA) Atlanta (ATL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202516:52 | WestJet 7007 | Miami (MIA) Atlanta (ATL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202516:23 | WestJet 6585 | Detroit (DTW) Greenville (GSP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202516:12 | WestJet 6599 | Detroit (DTW) Indianapolis (IND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202516:00 | WestJet 2153 | Puerto Vallarta (PVR) Vancouver (YVR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:55 | WestJet 6532 | Detroit (DTW) Memphis (MEM) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:55 | WestJet 6406 | Detroit (DTW) Toronto (YYZ) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:40 | WestJet 5123 | Paris (CDG) Bilbao (BIO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:30 | WestJet 2909 | Puerto Plata (POP) Montreal (YUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:30 | WestJet 7790 | New York (LGA) West Palm Beach (PBI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:30 | WestJet 2909 | Puerto Plata (POP) Montreal (YUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:25 | WestJet 8462 | Seattle (SEA) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:15 | WestJet 7621 | New York (LGA) Miami (MIA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:00 | WestJet 238 | Calgary (YYC) Winnipeg (YWG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202515:00 | WestJet 7901 | Detroit (DTW) Philadelphia (PHL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202514:55 | WestJet 2915 | Montego Bay (MBJ) Montreal (YUL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202514:55 | WestJet 8436 | Norfolk (ORF) New York (LGA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202514:50 | WestJet 7418 | Louisville (SDF) New York (LGA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
11.11.202514:45 | WestJet 2913 | Higuey (PUJ) Montreal (YUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202514:45 | WestJet 3409 | Vancouver (YVR) Victoria (YYJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202514:30 | WestJet 3469 | Vancouver (YVR) Nanaimo (YCD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202514:10 | WestJet 3350 | Calgary (YYC) Medicine Hat (YXH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202514:03 | WestJet 7078 | Detroit (DTW) Montreal (YUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
