Bristol Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common problems encountered by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The European Union Regulation 261/2004 outlines the situations under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.

Here, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Bristol Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights in case of significant delays or cancellations. These rights include:

• Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and refreshments during the waiting period.
• Access to means of communication: Passengers should be provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
• Hotel accommodation if necessary: If an overnight stay is required, the airline must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
• Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may choose between a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
• Compensation: According to the flight distance and length of delay, passengers might be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600.

Bristol Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Passengers experiencing flight delays at Bristol Airport might be eligible for compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The eligibility for compensation is decided by the reason for the delay and whether it follows UK and EU laws. 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.

Bristol Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Bristol Airport, under EU 261, passengers can get compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline might 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

Financial 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 determined by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. You can refer to the table below to figure out the amount of compensation you are entitled to:

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 usually don’t provide compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.

Which Bristol 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 covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This law guarantees that you have certain rights in the event of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. Here’s a more detailed table of what situations are protected by EU Regulation 261 and which are not:

Itinerary	EU Airline	Non-EU Airline
Departures from Bristol Airport to anywhere	Yes	Yes
Arrivals at Bristol Airport from inside the EU	Yes	No
Arrivals at Bristol Airport from outside the EU	Yes	No

How to Claim Compensation from Bristol Airport

Flight cancellations and delays often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you experience a flight disruption at Bristol Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate your compensation claim, follow these steps:

1. Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

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