Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for passengers. There is a regulation called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It says that airlines must issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike. In this article, we will clarify what the EU 261 regulation is and how it can help you. Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004 Now let’s focus on the specifics of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will learn about your entitlement to compensation and what advantages you can expect in the event of a flight disruption. Right to Compensation The European Union regulation states that if you are covered by EU 261, you have a right to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers affects your flight. Notably, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control. Flight Cancellation Compensation According to EU Regulation 261, you are entitled to 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 scheduled travel date. Yet, as it often happens, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, the airline is entitled 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 arrived at 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 duration of the delay. See the table 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 can significantly disrupt your plans. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay resulting from 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. See the table provided 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 situations when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, 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 ticket 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 Besides compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. So, the airline must provide passengers with meals, drinks, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. If your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is obliged to provide you with a hotel, as well as transportation from the airport to the hotel and back. Upgrading and Downgrading Sometimes it occurs the airline can either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when providing 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 aren’t required to pay extra for this advantage. In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Furthermore, the compensation in this case 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 rules cover all flights inside the EU; additionally, these rules apply to 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 in which the airline cannot influence or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute may 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. Although many instances of strikes are not covered by EU261 and are classified as “extraordinary circumstances”, this doesn’t 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 Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. However, Copa Airlines isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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. ItineraryCovered by EU 261Flights departing from EU airports✔️ YesFlights arriving at EU airports❌ No How to Get Copa Airlines Strike Compensation Dealing with delayed or cancelled flights due to strikes is always frustrating. This can spoil your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps: Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.