Flight delays and cancellations are the most common issues encountered by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, which guarantees 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 conditions under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers traveling to or from Tenerife South Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights when facing significant delays or cancellations. 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 must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers can select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Based on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Tenerife South Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Flyers encountering flight delays at Tenerife South Airport might 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 cause of the delay and whether it follows UK and EU regulations. 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 beyond their control.
Tenerife South Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Tenerife South Airport, according to EU 261/2004, flyers are eligible to receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this law. 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 |
Financial 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 determined by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can check the following 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 flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Tenerife South Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight originating in the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This law guarantees that you have certain rights in the event of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Tenerife South Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Tenerife South Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Tenerife South Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Tenerife South Airport
Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Tenerife South Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following steps:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.