Flight cancellations and delays are the most frequent problems experienced by travelers. Luckily, 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 EU 261/2004 defines the situations in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
Here, you will discover everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers arriving at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport from EU countries or departing from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights. 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 obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers 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 might be entitled to financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at Seattle–Tacoma International 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 cause of 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 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 beyond their control.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, according to EU 261/2004, flyers may get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this regulation. The airline may 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 may still be available even when you accept 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 check this 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 typically don’t provide compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Which Seattle–Tacoma International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
Even though Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is not within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 could still cover some flights. Travelers arriving at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport from EU countries or departing from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are covered by EU 261.
Therefore, despite their geographic location outside the EU, certain flights from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by airlines from the European Union.
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport to anywhere | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport Airport from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.