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 cancelled or delayed because of a strike. In this article, we will clarify what EU261 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 eligibility for 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 are entitled to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers affects your flight. Notably, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
Copa Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
Under 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 has a right to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. However, 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 arrived at your final destination later than originally scheduled, you are still eligible to claim compensation.
The key factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the duration of the delay. Check the table 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 |
Copa 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 caused by an airline strike lasts three or more hours.
Concerning the potential 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 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 cases when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger is entitled to more substantial rights. You have two options to select from:
- You can refuse the cancelled or delayed 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 flight compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight due to an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to 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 obliged to provide you with a hotel, as well as transportation from the airport to the hotel and back.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Occasionally it happens the airline might either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when offering an alternative flight. In these situations, you should know about 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 is obligated to 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 regulations cover all flights within the EU; besides, these regulations apply to flights that are either departing from or arriving in the European Union on airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, you should know that in cases where the airline can’t 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 their fault that this situation happens. As a result, the airline is not required to pay compensation for disrupted flights.
Even though 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 they have done everything possible to prevent a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, it is obliged to provide 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, Copa Airlines isn’t 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.
| Itinerary | Covered 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 seek compensation for this inconvenience, follow these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide flight details such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to get you your compensation. You are only charged 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.11.202522:45 | Copa Airlines 3569 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Florianopolis (FLN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202520:40 | Copa Airlines 1438 | San Diego (SAN) Los Angeles (LAX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202519:50 | Copa Airlines 2517 | San Diego (SAN) San Francisco (SFO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202519:34 | Copa Airlines 1491 | Santa Ana (SNA) San Francisco (SFO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202518:50 | Copa Airlines 2047 | Los Angeles (LAX) San Diego (SAN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202518:20 | Copa Airlines 2638 | Chicago (ORD) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202518:10 | Copa Airlines 1791 | Chicago (ORD) Columbus (CMH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202518:08 | Copa Airlines 2702 | New York (MCO) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202518:07 | Copa Airlines 2064 | Los Angeles (SBP) Los Angeles (LAX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202517:55 | Copa Airlines 3745 | Sao Paulo (VCP) Brasilia (BSB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202517:55 | Copa Airlines 2799 | New York (IAD) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202517:15 | Copa Airlines 2632 | New York (IAD) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202517:09 | Copa Airlines 266 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Panama City (PTY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202516:22 | Copa Airlines 2059 | Los Angeles (LAX) Los Angeles (SBP) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202516:20 | Copa Airlines 2703 | New York (MCO) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202516:11 | Copa Airlines 2256 | Miami (MIA) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202515:55 | Copa Airlines 1371 | Chicago (ORD) Cleveland (CLE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202515:40 | Copa Airlines 1401 | Chicago (ORD) Indianapolis (IND) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202515:25 | Copa Airlines 3697 | Sao Paulo (GIG) Curitiba (CWB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202515:21 | Copa Airlines 1211 | Grand Junction (GJT) Denver (DEN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202515:18 | Copa Airlines 1241 | Rapid City (RAP) Denver (DEN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202514:55 | Copa Airlines 3595 | Sao Paulo (GIG) Salvador (SSA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202514:41 | Copa Airlines 1716 | Chicago (IAH) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202514:30 | Copa Airlines 2076 | Santa Barbara (SBA) Los Angeles (LAX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202514:15 | Copa Airlines 2842 | New Orleans (MSY) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202514:05 | Copa Airlines 2445 | Fresno (FAT) San Francisco (SFO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202514:02 | Copa Airlines 2264 | Chicago (ORD) Miami (MIA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202513:19 | Copa Airlines 2818 | Chicago (ORD) Toronto (YYZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202512:51 | Copa Airlines 2784 | Miami (MIA) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202512:35 | Copa Airlines 2833 | New York (IAD) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202511:20 | Copa Airlines 2440 | San Francisco (SFO) Fresno (FAT) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202510:45 | Copa Airlines 3624 | Sao Paulo (GIG) Porto Alegre (POA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202508:59 | Copa Airlines 1410 | Chicago (ORD) Peoria (PIA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.11.202508:45 | Copa Airlines 3846 | Brasilia (BSB) Joao Pessoa (JPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202508:35 | Copa Airlines 7047 | Sao Paulo (CNF) Goiania (GYN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202508:02 | Copa Airlines 1122 | Des Moines (DSM) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202507:42 | Copa Airlines 122 | Panama City (PTY) Cancun (CUN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.11.202506:00 | Copa Airlines 2824 | Montreal (YUL) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202523:40 | Copa Airlines 3727 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Recife (REC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202521:50 | Copa Airlines 7189 | Vitoria (VIX) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202521:45 | Copa Airlines 7051 | Sao Paulo (CNF) Sao Paulo (GRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202521:15 | Copa Airlines 7100 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202521:05 | Copa Airlines 3626 | Sao Paulo (GIG) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202521:00 | Copa Airlines 1139 | Denver (DEN) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202520:55 | Copa Airlines 3634 | Brasilia (BSB) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202520:50 | Copa Airlines 7087 | Sao Paulo (GIG) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202520:20 | Copa Airlines 7155 | Salvador (SSA) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202519:30 | Copa Airlines 881 | Panama City (PTY) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202519:26 | Copa Airlines 1134 | Denver (DEN) Redmond (RDM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202519:15 | Copa Airlines 3513 | Sao Paulo (CGH) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202519:10 | Copa Airlines 3521 | Sao Paulo (CNF) Sao Paulo (GRU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.11.202519:05 | Copa Airlines 1032 | Denver (DEN) Burbank (BUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202518:55 | Copa Airlines 7085 | Sao Paulo (CNF) Sao Paulo (GRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202518:35 | Copa Airlines 2577 | Nashville (BNA) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202518:35 | Copa Airlines 7040 | Sao Paulo (CGH) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202518:20 | Copa Airlines 2638 | Chicago (ORD) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202518:20 | Copa Airlines 3519 | Sao Paulo (CNF) Brasilia (BSB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202518:08 | Copa Airlines 2702 | New York (MCO) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202518:00 | Copa Airlines 7093 | Belem (BEL) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202517:15 | Copa Airlines 2632 | New York (IAD) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202517:10 | Copa Airlines 3566 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
06.11.202516:50 | Copa Airlines 7000 | Belem (BEL) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202516:30 | Copa Airlines 1754 | Chicago (IAH) Chicago (XNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202516:05 | Copa Airlines 1383 | Chicago (ORD) Des Moines (DSM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202515:00 | Copa Airlines 7019 | Cuiaba (CGB) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202513:20 | Copa Airlines 3737 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Sinop (OPS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202513:20 | Copa Airlines 3706 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Sinop (OPS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202510:52 | Copa Airlines 2721 | Chicago (ORD) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202510:05 | Copa Airlines 2732 | Philadelphia (PHL) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202509:58 | Copa Airlines 1328 | Dallas (DFW) Chicago (IAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202509:15 | Copa Airlines 3578 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Goiania (GYN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.11.202507:35 | Copa Airlines 3586 | Sao Paulo (GIG) Goiania (GYN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202523:30 | Copa Airlines 8019 | Chicago (ORD) Taipei (TPE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202520:10 | Copa Airlines 7003 | Belem (BEL) Manaus (MAO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202519:30 | Copa Airlines 881 | Panama City (PTY) San Salvador (SAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202519:20 | Copa Airlines 1140 | Denver (DEN) Santa Barbara (SBA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202518:20 | Copa Airlines 2747 | Chicago (ORD) Windsor Locks (BDL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202518:12 | Copa Airlines 1812 | Chicago (ORD) Grand Rapids (GRR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202517:10 | Copa Airlines 1085 | New York (IAD) Boston (BOS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202516:35 | Copa Airlines 3620 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Vitoria (VIX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202516:00 | Copa Airlines 2727 | Chicago (ORD) Chicago (MCI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202514:00 | Copa Airlines 3596 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Fortaleza (FOR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202513:17 | Copa Airlines 359 | Havana (HAV) Panama City (PTY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202513:15 | Copa Airlines 847 | Panama City (PTY) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202513:05 | Copa Airlines 3714 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Curitiba (CWB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202512:51 | Copa Airlines 2784 | Miami (MIA) New York (IAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202512:35 | Copa Airlines 7144 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Recife (REC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202511:20 | Copa Airlines 7071 | Barreiras (BRA) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202510:20 | Copa Airlines 111 | Guatemala City (GUA) Panama City (PTY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202510:00 | Copa Airlines 7081 | Sao Paulo (GRU) Sao Paulo (CNF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202509:32 | Copa Airlines 397 | Panama City (PTY) Medellin (MDE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202508:45 | Copa Airlines 2881 | San Francisco (SFO) New York (MCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202508:30 | Copa Airlines 7036 | Sao Paulo (CNF) Barreiras (BRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.11.202507:25 | Copa Airlines 835 | Panama City (PTY) Medellin (MDE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.11.202521:30 | Copa Airlines 8106 | Panama City (PTY) Madrid (MAD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.11.202518:28 | Copa Airlines 2815 | Chicago (ORD) Toronto (YYZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.11.202518:20 | Copa Airlines 2755 | Chicago (ORD) Cleveland (CLE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.11.202518:13 | Copa Airlines 2733 | Chicago (ORD) Philadelphia (PHL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.11.202518:10 | Copa Airlines 1413 | Chicago (ORD) Louisville (SDF) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
04.11.202518:10 | Copa Airlines 1408 | Chicago (ORD) Minneapolis (MSP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
