Refunds and Compensation for Copa Airlines Strike

Yurii Moskalenko
30.08.2024
Updated 05.05.2025

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 stipulates that airlines have to issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to 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 explore the particulars of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will discover your entitlement to compensation and what benefits you can expect in case of a flight disruption.

Right to Compensation

The European Union regulation stipulates that if you are protected by the EU 261/2004, you are entitled to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers affects your flight. It is worth noting, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.

Flight Cancellation Compensation

According to EU Regulation 261, you can receive compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you of the flight cancellation within two weeks before your scheduled travel date.

However, as it often happens, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, the airline has a right to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. Though this flight should also meet certain 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 proposed by the airline but reached the final destination later than you were supposed to, you are still eligible to claim compensation.

The primary factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the delay time. Check the table provided below for compensation amounts:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Flight Delay Compensation

Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your plans. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts three or more hours.

Regarding the possible amount of compensation that passengers can expect, there are two crucial factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. Check the table below for compensation amounts:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Ticket Refund or Alternative Transportation

In the rare cases when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger has more substantial rights. You have two options to select from:

  • You can refuse the cancelled or delayed 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 compensation for a disrupted flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. Therefore, the airline must provide passengers with meals, beverages, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. If your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is required to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport between the airport and the hotel.

Upgrading and Downgrading

In some instances, it happens the airline can either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when offering an alternative flight. In such cases, you need to know about specific rules and your rights:

In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you won’t have to pay extra for this advantage.

In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline is obligated to reimburse you. Again, the compensation here entirely depends 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 regulations cover all flights within the EU; additionally, 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 understand that in situations 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 can considerably affect aviation (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such events are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation occurs. As a result, an airline is not obligated to pay compensation for disrupted flights.

Even though many instances 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, they are obliged to provide passengers compensation for flight disruptions.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

EU 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies 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, Copa Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to issue compensation if their flights operate outside the European Union. This applies even to their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.

ItineraryCovered by EU 261
Flights departing from EU airports✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at EU airports❌ No

How to Get Copa Airlines Strike Compensation

Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. It can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps:

  1. Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
  2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us 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 Airline (Flight number) Route Status Your compensation

09.05.202515:00

Copa Airlines

5057

Tampa (TPA)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

delayed

Refunds

09.05.202508:00

Copa Airlines

3689

Sao Paulo (GIG)

Navegantes (NVT)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202517:10

Copa Airlines

7028

Carajas (CKS)

Sao Paulo (CNF)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202515:00

Copa Airlines

5057

Tampa (TPA)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

cancelled

Refunds

08.05.202511:00

Copa Airlines

5059

Tampa (TPA)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202521:59

Copa Airlines

1261

Newark (EWR)

Burlington (BTV)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202520:32

Copa Airlines

1040

Denver (DEN)

Dickinson (DIK)

delayed

Refunds

07.05.202517:10

Copa Airlines

7158

Tabatinga (TBT)

Manaus (MAO)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202520:25

Copa Airlines

5061

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Tampa (TPA)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202517:15

Copa Airlines

7158

Tabatinga (TBT)

Manaus (MAO)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202515:30

Copa Airlines

7199

Governador Valadares (GVR)

Sao Paulo (CNF)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202511:00

Copa Airlines

2083

Los Angeles (LAX)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202520:32

Copa Airlines

1040

Denver (DEN)

Dickinson (DIK)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202517:26

Copa Airlines

2766

New York (IAD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202515:30

Copa Airlines

7199

Governador Valadares (GVR)

Sao Paulo (CNF)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202509:00

Copa Airlines

1084

New York (IAD)

Boston (BOS)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202508:50

Copa Airlines

3545

Brasilia (BSB)

Fortaleza (FOR)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202508:45

Copa Airlines

3846

Brasilia (BSB)

Joao Pessoa (JPA)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202508:40

Copa Airlines

3523

Brasilia (BSB)

Salvador (SSA)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202508:35

Copa Airlines

3857

Brasilia (BSB)

S?o Luis (SLZ)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202508:35

Copa Airlines

3503

Brasilia (BSB)

Sao Paulo (CNF)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202508:10

Copa Airlines

864

Panama City (PTY)

San Salvador (SAL)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202508:00

Copa Airlines

940

Kingston (KIN)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202507:40

Copa Airlines

3589

Sao Paulo (GIG)

Porto Alegre (POA)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202507:29

Copa Airlines

704

Panama City (PTY)

Boston (BOS)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202506:00

Copa Airlines

3561

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Sao Paulo (GIG)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202505:15

Copa Airlines

3723

Goiania (GYN)

Sao Paulo (GIG)

cancelled

Refunds

05.05.202504:00

Copa Airlines

3685

Recife (REC)

Sao Paulo (GIG)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202520:32

Copa Airlines

1040

Denver (DEN)

Dickinson (DIK)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202517:26

Copa Airlines

2766

New York (IAD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202517:25

Copa Airlines

2142

New York (IAD)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202513:50

Copa Airlines

3514

Brasilia (BSB)

Sao Paulo (GRU)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202511:28

Copa Airlines

1266

Burlington (BTV)

Newark (EWR)

cancelled

Refunds

04.05.202511:05

Copa Airlines

3567

Sao Paulo (GIG)

Brasilia (BSB)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202511:00

Copa Airlines

2083

Los Angeles (LAX)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202509:35

Copa Airlines

3715

Brasilia (BSB)

Goiania (GYN)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202508:50

Copa Airlines

3545

Brasilia (BSB)

Fortaleza (FOR)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202508:30

Copa Airlines

7049

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Brasilia (BSB)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202506:35

Copa Airlines

3617

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Brasilia (BSB)

delayed

Refunds

03.05.202518:20

Copa Airlines

20

David (DAV)

Panama City (PTY)

delayed

Refunds

03.05.202517:26

Copa Airlines

2766

New York (IAD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

03.05.202516:05

Copa Airlines

15

Panama City (PTY)

David (DAV)

delayed

Refunds

03.05.202509:00

Copa Airlines

7134

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Uberaba (UBA)

delayed

Refunds

02.05.202500:50

Copa Airlines

8009

Los Angeles (LAX)

Taipei (TPE)

delayed

Refunds

01.05.202520:32

Copa Airlines

1040

Denver (DEN)

Dickinson (DIK)

delayed

Refunds

01.05.202520:05

Copa Airlines

1848

Chicago (IAH)

Hobbs (HOB)

delayed

Refunds

01.05.202520:00

Copa Airlines

1065

Los Angeles (LAX)

San Francisco (SFO)

delayed

Refunds

01.05.202519:55

Copa Airlines

2148

Buffalo (BUF)

New York (IAD)

delayed

Refunds

01.05.202516:35

Copa Airlines

1607

Chicago (IAH)

Mobile (MOB)

delayed

Refunds

01.05.202508:45

Copa Airlines

7075

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Vitoria Da Conquista (VDC)

delayed

Refunds

01.05.202508:35

Copa Airlines

7036

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Barreiras (BRA)

delayed

Refunds

30.04.202520:58

Copa Airlines

1141

Denver (DEN)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

30.04.202520:30

Copa Airlines

1040

Denver (DEN)

Dickinson (DIK)

delayed

Refunds

30.04.202517:30

Copa Airlines

2766

New York (IAD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

30.04.202517:10

Copa Airlines

7158

Tabatinga (TBT)

Manaus (MAO)

delayed

Refunds

30.04.202509:03

Copa Airlines

1734

Tulsa (TUL)

Chicago (IAH)

delayed

Refunds

30.04.202509:03

Copa Airlines

1737

Tulsa (TUL)

Chicago (IAH)

delayed

Refunds

30.04.202509:00

Copa Airlines

3506

Brasilia (BSB)

Sao Paulo (SDU)

delayed

Refunds

30.04.202509:00

Copa Airlines

3504

Brasilia (BSB)

Sao Paulo (SDU)

delayed

Refunds

30.04.202507:26

Copa Airlines

463

Panama City (PTY)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Refunds

29.04.202522:52

Copa Airlines

2058

Los Angeles (LAX)

Los Angeles (SBP)

delayed

Refunds

29.04.202519:40

Copa Airlines

8011

Taipei (TPE)

San Francisco (SFO)

delayed

Refunds

29.04.202518:25

Copa Airlines

1680

Chicago (IAH)

Louisville (SDF)

delayed

Refunds

29.04.202517:10

Copa Airlines

7158

Tabatinga (TBT)

Manaus (MAO)

cancelled

Refunds

29.04.202511:00

Copa Airlines

2083

Los Angeles (LAX)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

29.04.202509:00

Copa Airlines

5055

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Tampa (TPA)

delayed

Refunds

29.04.202508:40

Copa Airlines

7075

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Vitoria Da Conquista (VDC)

delayed

Refunds

29.04.202506:45

Copa Airlines

5134

Tampa (TPA)

Key West (EYW)

delayed

Refunds

29.04.202501:25

Copa Airlines

8016

New York (JFK)

Taipei (TPE)

delayed

Refunds

28.04.202517:37

Copa Airlines

2766

New York (IAD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

28.04.202511:48

Copa Airlines

395

Panama City (PTY)

Santiago (SCL)

delayed

Refunds

28.04.202511:00

Copa Airlines

5135

Tampa (TPA)

Key West (EYW)

delayed

Refunds

28.04.202508:29

Copa Airlines

1854

Hobbs (HOB)

Chicago (IAH)

delayed

Refunds

28.04.202508:20

Copa Airlines

1239

New York (IAD)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Refunds

27.04.202520:00

Copa Airlines

1848

Chicago (IAH)

Hobbs (HOB)

delayed

Refunds

27.04.202508:40

Copa Airlines

7075

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Vitoria Da Conquista (VDC)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202520:30

Copa Airlines

1040

Denver (DEN)

Dickinson (DIK)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202517:35

Copa Airlines

3858

S?o Luis (SLZ)

Brasilia (BSB)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202517:30

Copa Airlines

2766

New York (IAD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202516:20

Copa Airlines

2023

Los Angeles (LAX)

Los Angeles (SMF)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202516:05

Copa Airlines

15

Panama City (PTY)

David (DAV)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202508:25

Copa Airlines

7052

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Governador Valadares (GVR)

delayed

Refunds

25.04.202520:58

Copa Airlines

1141

Denver (DEN)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

25.04.202520:00

Copa Airlines

1848

Chicago (IAH)

Hobbs (HOB)

delayed

Refunds

25.04.202517:30

Copa Airlines

2766

New York (IAD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

25.04.202515:35

Copa Airlines

1286

Seattle (SEA)

Denver (DEN)

delayed

Refunds

25.04.202509:00

Copa Airlines

7134

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Uberaba (UBA)

delayed

Refunds

24.04.202520:00

Copa Airlines

1848

Chicago (IAH)

Hobbs (HOB)

delayed

Refunds

24.04.202517:10

Copa Airlines

7028

Carajas (CKS)

Sao Paulo (CNF)

delayed

Refunds

23.04.202512:21

Copa Airlines

1678

San Antonio (SAT)

Chicago (IAH)

delayed

Refunds

22.04.202520:00

Copa Airlines

1848

Chicago (IAH)

Hobbs (HOB)

delayed

Refunds

22.04.202519:11

Copa Airlines

474

Panama City (PTY)

Santiago (SCL)

delayed

Refunds

21.04.202520:50

Copa Airlines

1041

Denver (DEN)

Durango (DRO)

delayed

Refunds

19.04.202520:30

Copa Airlines

1040

Denver (DEN)

Dickinson (DIK)

delayed

Refunds

19.04.202508:40

Copa Airlines

7075

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Vitoria Da Conquista (VDC)

delayed

Refunds

18.04.202516:40

Copa Airlines

3752

Sao Paulo (GRU)

Chapeco (XAP)

delayed

Refunds

18.04.202509:00

Copa Airlines

7134

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Uberaba (UBA)

delayed

Refunds

17.04.202517:30

Copa Airlines

2766

New York (IAD)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

17.04.202517:10

Copa Airlines

7028

Carajas (CKS)

Sao Paulo (CNF)

delayed

Refunds

17.04.202508:40

Copa Airlines

7075

Sao Paulo (CNF)

Vitoria Da Conquista (VDC)

delayed

Refunds
Yurii Moskalenko
2193 articles
Yurii educates people about human rights and advocacy. He creates helpful materials for travelers to assert their rights. With certifications in law and economics, Yurii turns legal terms into simple, actionable advice. His travel experience gives him valuable insight into the challenges travelers face, helping him better understand their needs.

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