Tampa International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Cancelled and delayed flights are the most frequent issues encountered by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, 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 conditions when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.

Here, you will find everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and when you are eligible for compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

Under EU 261, travelers arriving at Tampa International Airport from EU countries or departing from Tampa International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines 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 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.

Tampa International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Flyers facing flight delays at Tampa International Airport could 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 determined by the reason for the delay and whether it complies with UK and EU regulations. 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 required to provide compensation for delays due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Tampa International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Tampa International Airport, according to EU 261, passengers may receive 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 law. The airline could 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 though 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 duration of the delay. You can check this table 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 flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.

Which Tampa International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

Even though Tampa International Airport isn’t within the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Passengers arriving at Tampa International Airport from EU countries or departing from Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa International Airport to anywhere	Yes	No
Arrivals at Tampa International Airport from inside the EU	Yes	No
Arrivals at Tampa International Airport Airport from outside the EU	No	No

How to Claim Compensation from Tampa International Airport

Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Tampa International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:

1. Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.