Cancelled and delayed flights are the most common issues experienced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU 261/2004 outlines the conditions when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance during flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about EU 261 regulation and when you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers traveling to or from Tenerife South Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have certain rights when facing significant delays or cancellations. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and refreshments during the waiting period;
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be offered two free phone calls, emails, or faxes;
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: If an overnight stay is necessary, the airline is required to offer assistance, including hotel stays and transport to and from the hotel;
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers can 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 was not caused by extraordinary circumstances and was within the airline’s control, passengers may be entitled to financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and length of the delay.
Tenerife South Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers encountering flight delays at Tenerife South Airport might be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The right to compensation is determined by the cause of 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 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 obligated to provide compensation for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Tenerife South Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a cancelled flight causing inconvenience at the Tenerife South Airport, under EU 261, travelers may get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them less than 14 days before departure.
However, 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 determined by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can refer to the table below 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 offer compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Tenerife South Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
If you are departing from an airport within the European Union and flying on a flight originating in the EU operated by an airline, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004, which defines your air passenger rights. This regulation applies to both domestic and international flights and ensures that you have certain rights in the event of delays, flight cancellations, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are protected by EU Regulation 261:
| 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 from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Tenerife South Airport
Flight disruptions often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Tenerife South Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Fill in 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 take over. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged 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 |
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