Delayed and cancelled flights are the most common problems encountered 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 outlines the situations 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 under what circumstances you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, 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 certain 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 offer assistance, including hotel stays and transport to and from the hotel;
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers have the option to select either a full refund of their ticket, including any extra costs, or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination;
- Compensation: If the delay did not result from extraordinary circumstances and was within the airline’s control, passengers could qualify for financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and length of the delay.
Tampa International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at Tampa 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 complies with 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 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 flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
Tampa International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a cancelled flight causing inconvenience at the Tampa International Airport, under EU 261, passengers may receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them 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 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 |
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 calculated by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. You can refer to this table to figure out the amount of compensation 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 provide compensation for 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?
While Tampa International Airport isn’t within the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Travelers arriving at Tampa International Airport from EU countries or departing from Tampa International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are covered by EU 261/2004.
Thus, despite their geographic location beyond the EU, certain flights from Tampa International Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by EU-based airlines.
| 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 from outside the EU | No | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Tampa International Airport
Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Tampa International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Complete our 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 take over. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
It is important to note that the compensation claim process requires documents such as booking confirmation and boarding pass.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled? Find your flight in the table below and use our claims checker to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Did not find your flight in our table? Fill in our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.01.202608:00 | Southwest Airlines 551 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202606:00 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202622:36 | Spirit Airlines 419 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:47 | Air Tahiti Nui 2686 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:47 | Hawaiian Airlines 7144 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:47 | Hawaiian Airlines 7144 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:47 | Hawaiian Airlines 7144 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:47 | Alaska Airlines 326 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:47 | Air Tahiti Nui 2686 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:47 | Air Tahiti Nui 2686 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:45 | Delta Air Lines 9967 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6630 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2348 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:00 | Alaska Airlines 640 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202619:30 | Southwest Airlines 3402 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202609:55 | Southwest Airlines 3952 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202608:30 | Delta Air Lines 1090 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202608:30 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202607:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6630 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202607:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2348 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202607:00 | Alaska Airlines 640 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202606:45 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202620:05 | Edelweiss Air 5 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Alaska Airlines 326 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Hawaiian Airlines 7144 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Hawaiian Airlines 7144 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Air Tahiti Nui 2686 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Air Tahiti Nui 2686 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Hawaiian Airlines 7144 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Air Tahiti Nui 2686 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Air Tahiti Nui 2686 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Hawaiian Airlines 7144 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Air Tahiti Nui 2686 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202618:47 | Hawaiian Airlines 7144 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.01.202611:20 | United Airlines 1915 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202610:20 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202609:30 | Frontier Airlines 2684 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202609:10 | Delta Air Lines 1090 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202608:25 | American Airlines 1704 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202607:24 | American Airlines 2538 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202607:00 | Alaska Airlines 640 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202607:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6670 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202607:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2358 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202606:55 | Southwest Airlines 2140 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202621:00 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202620:58 | Frontier Airlines 3980 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
03.01.202619:15 | JetBlue Airways 1751 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
03.01.202614:30 | Southwest Airlines 993 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
02.01.202616:50 | PlaneSense 27 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202614:43 | Air Canada 3255 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202614:43 | Lufthansa 7974 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202614:43 | TAP Air Portugal 8565 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202614:43 | United Airlines 1393 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202613:14 | United Airlines 661 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202613:14 | Air Canada 3252 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202613:14 | Lufthansa 9301 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202609:45 | Silverhawk Aviation 385 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202606:00 | Frontier Airlines 2684 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202618:00 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202607:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2348 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202607:00 | Alaska Airlines 640 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
01.01.202607:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6630 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.12.202516:30 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.12.202516:15 | Flexjet 310 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.12.202509:10 | Delta Air Lines 1090 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.12.202508:00 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.12.202507:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2358 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.12.202507:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6670 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.12.202507:00 | Alaska Airlines 640 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202518:47 | Hawaiian Airlines 7144 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202518:47 | Alaska Airlines 326 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202518:47 | Air Tahiti Nui 2686 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202515:55 | Southwest Airlines 4690 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202514:00 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202511:00 | NetJets Aviation 494 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202510:15 | Southwest Airlines 2004 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202505:45 | Frontier Airlines 2911 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
29.12.202507:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2348 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202507:00 | Alaska Airlines 640 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202507:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6630 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202518:30 | Southwest Airlines 4762 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202518:25 | Air Transat 7456 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202518:25 | Porter 526 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202517:30 | Jet Linx Aviation | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202517:04 | American Airlines 2522 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202516:15 | Air Canada Rouge 1659 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202515:45 | empty | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202509:10 | Delta Air Lines 1090 | () () | cancelled | Claim Refund |
27.12.202514:05 | LATAM Airlines 8634 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202514:05 | Delta Air Lines 1099 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202514:05 | Air France 3531 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202514:05 | Aeromexico 5011 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202514:05 | Virgin Atlantic 5388 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202514:05 | KLM 5341 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202513:55 | Southwest Airlines 1851 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202507:00 | Alaska Airlines 640 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202507:00 | Air Tahiti Nui 2358 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202507:00 | Hawaiian Airlines 6670 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202506:07 | Spirit Airlines 2211 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
26.12.202518:25 | Southwest Airlines 3296 | () () | Delayed | Claim Refund |
