Flight delays and cancellations are the most common issues experienced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU Regulation 261/2004 defines the situations in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and when you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers flying to or from Palma de Mallorca Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights when facing significant cancellations or delays. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper refreshments and snacks during the waiting period.
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be offered 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: Travelers can choose between 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.
Palma de Mallorca Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers encountering flight delays at Palma de Mallorca Airport may be entitled to 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 cause of the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is calculated on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the length 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 obligated to provide compensation for flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Palma de Mallorca Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Palma de Mallorca Airport, according to EU 261, passengers can get compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline might be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets certain 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 could still be available even if you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can refer to the following table 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 offer compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.
Which Palma de Mallorca Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and flying with an airline flight originating in 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 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 Palma de Mallorca Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Palma de Mallorca Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Palma de Mallorca Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Palma de Mallorca Airport
Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Palma de Mallorca Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete 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 handle the rest. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.