Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for passengers. There is a law called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It says that airlines must issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled as a result of a strike. In this article, we will explain what the EU 261 regulation is and how it can help you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s focus on the particulars of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will discover your eligibility for compensation and what advantages you can expect in case of a flight disruption.
Right to Compensation
The European Union regulation states that if you are covered by EU 261, you are entitled to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers disrupts your flight. It’s important to note, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control.
Alaska Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
In line with EU Regulation 261, you may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you about the cancellation within 14 days before your planned departure date.
However, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline has a right to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. Though this flight should also meet specific requirements:
- If your flight is over 3,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 4 hours;
- If your flight is 1,500-3,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 3 hours;
- If your flight is less than 1,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 2 hours.
If you agreed to the alternative flight provided by the airline but reached the final destination later than originally scheduled, you are still eligible to claim compensation.
The main factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the delay time. See the table provided below for compensation amounts:
| 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 |
Alaska Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
Delays caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt your itinerary. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts three or more hours.
Concerning the potential compensation amount that passengers can expect, there are two important things to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. Check the table provided below for compensation amounts:
| 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 |
Ticket Refund or Alternative Transportation
In the rare situations when a passenger’s flight is either cancelled or delayed for 5 or more hours, the passenger obtains more significant rights. You have two options to select from:
- You can refuse the delayed or cancelled flight and choose a full refund, meaning that you will also cancel your planned trip, and there won’t be a financial penalty for this.
- You can agree to use an alternative flight that the airline arranges for you.
As you can see, you have the right to choose the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
In addition to flight compensation for a disrupted flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. Therefore, the airline must provide passengers with meals, drinks, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline has to provide you with a hotel, as well as transportation to and from the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Sometimes it occurs the airline might either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when offering an alternative flight. In these situations, you need to be aware of specific rules and your rights:
In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you won’t have to pay extra for this benefit.
In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Again, the compensation in this case is based on the distance of the flight:
- 30% of the cost of the flights that are 1,500 km or less;
- 50% of the cost of t is an intra-EU flight over 1,500 km; also, if these are all other flights that are 1,500-3,500 km;
- 75% of the cost of the flight is 3,500 km and more.
These rules apply to all flights within the EU; besides, these regulations cover flights that are either departing from or arriving in the European Union on EU-based airlines.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, you should be aware that in cases when the airline can’t control or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute could considerably affect aviation (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations are not under the airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation occurs. Therefore, the airline is not required to pay compensation for disrupted flights.
Although many cases of strikes are not covered by EU261 and are classified as “extraordinary circumstances”, this does not automatically mean that the airline will not pay compensation.
According to the ECJ ruling of 11 June 2020 (Case C-74/19), the airline must prove it has done everything possible to avoid a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, it is required to pay passengers compensation for flight disruptions.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Alaska Airlines isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged to issue compensation if their flights operate outside the European Union. This is true even for their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Get Alaska Airlines Strike Compensation
Dealing with cancelled or delayed flights due to strikes is always frustrating. It can not only ruin your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide flight details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled due to the strike? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.12.202523:15 | Alaska Horizon 2172 | Seattle (SEA) Yakima (YKM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202517:51 | Alaska Airlines 337 | Chicago (ORD) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202515:30 | Alaska Airlines 66 | Cordova (CDV) Juneau (JNU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202514:56 | Alaska Airlines 3301 | Austin (AUS) San Diego (SAN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202513:42 | Alaska Airlines 66 | Anchorage (ANC) Cordova (CDV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202512:30 | Alaska SkyWest 3195 | San Diego (SAN) Fresno (FAT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202512:08 | Alaska Airlines 621 | Seattle (SEA) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202510:28 | Alaska SkyWest 3499 | San Jose (SJC) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202510:25 | Alaska SkyWest 3314 | Las Vegas (LAS) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202509:20 | Alaska Horizon 2107 | San Diego (SAN) Redmond (RDM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202509:12 | Alaska SkyWest 3300 | San Diego (SAN) Austin (AUS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202509:04 | Alaska Airlines 781 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202509:00 | Alaska Air Cargo 7006 | Seattle (SEA) Juneau (JNU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202508:59 | Alaska Airlines 15 | New York (DCA) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202508:25 | Alaska Airlines 433 | Tampa (TPA) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202508:20 | Alaska SkyWest 3012 | Denver (DEN) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202508:00 | Alaska Horizon 2055 | Santa Rosa (STS) San Diego (SAN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202508:00 | Alaska Airlines 1446 | San Diego (SAN) Chicago (ORD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202507:20 | Alaska Horizon 2465 | Redmond (RDM) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202507:04 | Alaska Airlines 324 | Portland (PDX) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202507:00 | Alaska SkyWest 3041 | Santa Rosa (STS) Burbank (BUR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.12.202506:00 | Alaska Airlines 1464 | Chicago (ORD) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202506:00 | Alaska Airlines (Oneworld Livery) 400 | San Antonio (SAT) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202500:38 | Alaska Airlines 54 | Anchorage (ANC) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.12.202500:30 | Alaska Airlines 7097 | Seattle (SEA) Anchorage (ANC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202523:37 | Alaska Airlines 7096 | Juneau (JNU) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202523:25 | Alaska Airlines 213 | Lihue (LIH) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202521:59 | Alaska SkyWest 3048 | San Diego (SAN) Los Angeles (SBP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202518:30 | Alaska Horizon (University of Washington 2293 | Los Angeles (SMF) San Diego (SAN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:47 | Alaska Airlines 697 | Seattle (SEA) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:24 | Alaska Airlines 389 | Boston (BOS) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:15 | Alaska Airlines 474 | Atlanta (ATL) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202516:02 | Alaska Airlines 1429 | San Diego (SAN) Denver (DEN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:58 | Alaska Horizon (Honoring Those Who Serve 2021 | Bozeman (BZN) Portland (PDX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:12 | Alaska Airlines 64 | Petersburg (PSG) Wrangell (WRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:09 | Alaska Horizon 2053 | San Jose (SJC) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202515:05 | Alaska Airlines 1447 | Chicago (ORD) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202514:57 | Alaska SkyWest 3028 | Las Vegas (LAS) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202514:52 | Alaska SkyWest 3383 | Los Angeles (SBP) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202514:10 | Alaska Horizon (Honoring Those Who Serve 2153 | Boise (BOI) Bozeman (BZN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202514:08 | Alaska Airlines 765 | Seattle (SEA) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202514:02 | Alaska Horizon 2084 | Billings (BIL) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202513:37 | Alaska Airlines 64 | Juneau (JNU) Petersburg (PSG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202513:07 | Alaska Airlines 1414 | San Diego (SAN) San Jose Del Cabo (SJD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202512:34 | Alaska Airlines 475 | San Diego (SAN) Puerto Vallarta (PVR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202512:08 | Alaska Airlines 621 | Seattle (SEA) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202511:40 | Alaska Airlines 547 | San Jose Del Cabo (SJD) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202510:45 | Alaska Airlines 396 | San Diego (SAN) New York (MCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202510:30 | Alaska Airlines 1394 | Portland (PDX) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:56 | Alaska Airlines 650 | Seattle (SEA) San Diego (SAN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:04 | Alaska Airlines 781 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202509:00 | Alaska Airlines 7040 | Seattle (SEA) Juneau (JNU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:59 | Alaska Airlines 15 | New York (DCA) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:55 | Alaska Airlines 1470 | Chicago (ORD) San Diego (SAN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202508:00 | Alaska Airlines 1 | New York (DCA) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:34 | Alaska Airlines 351 | New York (IAD) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:06 | Alaska Airlines 446 | Philadelphia (PHL) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:00 | Alaska Airlines 349 | Baltimore (BWI) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:00 | Alaska Airlines (Oneworld Livery) 395 | New York (MCO) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202507:00 | Alaska Airlines 21 | New York (JFK) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:55 | Alaska Airlines 563 | Chicago (MCI) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202506:00 | Alaska Airlines 400 | San Antonio (SAT) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202505:45 | Alaska Horizon 2452 | Medford (MFR) Seattle (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.12.202500:40 | Amazon Air 2601 | Covington (CVG) Ontario (ONT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.12.202500:38 | Alaska Airlines 54 | Anchorage (ANC) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:27 | Alaska Horizon 2246 | Seattle (SEA) Wenatchee (EAT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:22 | Alaska Horizon 2100 | Seattle (SEA) Pasco (PSC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:15 | Alaska Airlines 347 | Seattle (SEA) Spokane (GEG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:15 | Alaska Horizon 2172 | Seattle (SEA) Yakima (YKM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:10 | Alaska Horizon 2461 | Seattle (SEA) Medford (MFR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:10 | Alaska Horizon 2033 | Seattle (SEA) Vancouver (YVR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202523:05 | Alaska Horizon 2234 | Seattle (SEA) Victoria (YYJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:25 | Alaska Airlines 614 | Portland (PDX) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202522:11 | Alaska Airlines 367 | Seattle (SEA) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202521:44 | Alaska Horizon 2489 | Portland (PDX) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:47 | Alaska Horizon 2074 | Spokane (GEG) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:43 | Alaska Horizon 2050 | Medford (MFR) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:31 | Alaska Airlines 304 | San Francisco (SFO) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:30 | Alaska Airlines 787 | Las Vegas (LAS) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:20 | Alaska Airlines 615 | Denver (DEN) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:04 | Alaska Horizon 2031 | Reno (RNO) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202520:03 | Alaska Airlines 216 | Cleveland (CLE) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:59 | Alaska Airlines 296 | Newark (EWR) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:54 | Alaska Horizon 2208 | Seattle (SEA) Vancouver (YVR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:50 | Alaska Airlines 1304 | San Jose (SJC) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:45 | Alaska Airlines 348 | Atlanta (ATL) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:32 | Alaska Horizon 2003 | El Paso (ELP) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:26 | Alaska Airlines 339 | Austin (AUS) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:24 | Alaska Airlines 402 | Charleston (CHS) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:20 | Alaska Airlines 439 | Chicago (IAH) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:16 | Alaska Airlines 379 | Baltimore (BWI) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:10 | Alaska Airlines 1310 | Santa Ana (SNA) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202519:00 | Alaska Airlines 753 | Palm Springs (PSP) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:59 | Alaska Airlines 306 | Boston (BOS) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:55 | Alaska Airlines 17 | New York (JFK) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:54 | Alaska Airlines 443 | Philadelphia (PHL) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:50 | Alaska Airlines 307 | New York (MCO) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:42 | Alaska Airlines 517 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:34 | Alaska Airlines 305 | Miami (MIA) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.12.202518:20 | Alaska Airlines 7039 | Anchorage (ANC) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
