Cancelled and delayed flights are the most frequent issues faced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 outlines the situations when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
Here, you will find everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers flying to or from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights in case of significant cancellations or delays. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and beverages during the waiting period.
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is needed, the airline is required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Depending on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers facing flight delays at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport might be eligible for compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The right to compensation is decided by the reason for the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU regulations. The amount of compensation is based on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay.
| 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 that airlines are not required to provide compensation for delays due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, under EU 261/2004, passengers may receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
However, there are exceptions to this law. The airline may be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets specific criteria, letting you arrive at your destination with the minimal delay possible:
| 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 |
Compensation might still be available even if you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is based on the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. You can refer to the table below to figure out the compensation amount you are eligible for:
| 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 |
Keep in mind that airlines typically don’t offer compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport within the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This law guarantees that you have certain rights in the event of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are protected by EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport
Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Complete our 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 are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.