Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common problems faced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The European Union Regulation 261/2004 specifies the conditions under which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and when you are entitled to compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU 261, travelers arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from EU countries or departing from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU have specific rights. 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 required, the airline is required to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers have the option to 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.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers experiencing flight delays at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport may 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 determined 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 delays due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, according to EU 261/2004, travelers are eligible to receive 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 regulation. The airline could 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 when 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 length of the delay. You can refer to this table to figure out the compensation amount 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 typically don’t provide compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.
Which Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Although Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is not within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Passengers arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from EU countries or departing from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are protected by EU 261/2004.
Thus, despite their geographic location outside the EU, certain flights departing from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport may be subject to European laws if they are operated by airlines from the European Union.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details like 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 understand the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.