Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be annoying, but there is good news for passengers. There is a regulation called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It says that airlines have to issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to a strike. In this article, we will clarify what the EU 261 regulation is and how it can assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s explore the details of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will discover your entitlement to compensation and what advantages you can expect in the event 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’s important to note, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
Delta Air Lines Flight Cancellation Compensation
According to 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 of the flight cancellation within two weeks before your scheduled travel date.
Yet, as is frequently the case, there are exceptions you should be aware of. Specifically, the airline is entitled to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. Though this flight is required to 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 offered by the airline but reached your 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. See 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 |
Delta Air Lines Flight Delay Compensation
Delays caused by airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your plans. You are entitled to compensation if the flight delay resulting from an airline strike lasts at least three hours.
Concerning the possible compensation amount that passengers may receive, there are two key factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. See the table 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 either cancelled or delayed for 5 or more hours, the passenger is entitled to more significant rights. There are two options for you to choose 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
Besides flight compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. So, the airline must provide passengers with food, beverages, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is required to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport from the airport to the hotel and back.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Sometimes it happens the airline may either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when offering an alternative flight. In these situations, you should 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 benefit.
In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline must reimburse you. Again, the compensation in this case is determined by 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 within the EU; additionally, these regulations cover 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 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 may significantly affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such occasions are not under the airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation happens. Therefore, the 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.
In line with 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 required to pay passengers compensation for flight disruptions.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies 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, Delta Air Lines isn’t a European airline. Consequently, 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 Delta Air Lines Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight cancellations or delays 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, take the following actions:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide flight details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will do our best to get you 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 | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.01.202622:15 | Delta Air Lines 8734 | (ABV) (LFW) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:20 | Delta Air Lines 9510 | (BHD) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:00 | Delta Air Lines 8222 | (CDG) (ABJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:50 | Delta Air Lines 9658 | (AES) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:40 | Delta Air Lines 9228 | (AMS) (BRS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:30 | Delta Air Lines 9284 | (AMS) (BER) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:25 | Delta Air Lines 7479 | (AMS) (AGP) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:25 | Delta Air Lines 9282 | (AGP) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:20 | Delta Air Lines 9178 | (AMS) (AAL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:15 | Delta Air Lines 9352 | (AMS) (BHD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:10 | Delta Air Lines 9425 | (AMS) (BSL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:00 | Delta Air Lines 9181 | (AMS) (ABZ) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:40 | Delta Air Lines 9590 | (AMS) (DUB) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:20 | Delta Air Lines 8379 | (CDG) (BCN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:10 | Delta Air Lines 6771 | (MAD) (BCN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:10 | Delta Air Lines 9310 | (AMS) (BGO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:05 | Delta Air Lines 9417 | (AMS) (KRK) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:00 | Delta Air Lines 6750 | (MAD) (AGP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:45 | Delta Air Lines 9546 | (HAM) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:45 | Delta Air Lines 9473 | (BRU) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:40 | Delta Air Lines 9540 | (AMS) (ARN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:35 | Delta Air Lines 9498 | (DUS) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:35 | Delta Air Lines 9372 | (AMS) (ACC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:25 | Delta Air Lines 9583 | (AMS) (FLR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:25 | Delta Air Lines 9463 | (BER) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:25 | Delta Air Lines 9187 | (AMS) (BCN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:20 | Delta Air Lines 9688 | (AMS) (AES) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:20 | Delta Air Lines 9173 | (AAL) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:20 | Delta Air Lines 9157 | (AMS) (BER) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:10 | Delta Air Lines 8310 | (CDG) (AGP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:10 | Delta Air Lines 9465 | (BGO) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:05 | Delta Air Lines 8734 | (CDG) (ABV) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:00 | Delta Air Lines 9399 | (KRK) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:45 | Delta Air Lines 9426 | (AMS) (VLC) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:45 | Delta Air Lines 8468 | (CDG) (BER) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:30 | Delta Air Lines 9340 | (AMS) (BRU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:25 | Delta Air Lines 9665 | (DUB) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:20 | Delta Air Lines 8328 | (CDG) (BCN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:15 | Delta Air Lines 6408 | (CKG) (PVG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:10 | Delta Air Lines 9229 | (AMS) (DUS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:55 | Delta Air Lines 9691 | (ABZ) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:40 | Delta Air Lines 9638 | (AMS) (AGP) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:40 | Delta Air Lines 8607 | (CDG) (FLR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:25 | Delta Air Lines 7658 | (CDG) (ARN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:25 | Delta Air Lines 9634 | (AMS) (AAL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:25 | Delta Air Lines 9634 | (AMS) (AAL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:25 | Delta Air Lines 9634 | (AMS) (AAL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:20 | Delta Air Lines 9514 | (FLR) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:15 | Delta Air Lines 9561 | (AMS) (BER) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:15 | Delta Air Lines 8369 | (FLR) (CDG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:00 | Delta Air Lines 9462 | (BER) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:00 | Delta Air Lines 9196 | (AMS) (DUB) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:55 | Delta Air Lines 9312 | (AMS) (BGO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:50 | Delta Air Lines 9262 | (TRN) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:50 | Delta Air Lines 9529 | (KRK) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:40 | Delta Air Lines 9260 | (AMS) (ABZ) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:40 | Delta Air Lines 9165 | (AMS) (KRK) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:30 | Delta Air Lines 9497 | (DUS) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:30 | Delta Air Lines 9544 | (ARN) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:22 | Delta Air Lines 2951 | (BDL) (ATL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:20 | Delta Air Lines 9541 | (HAM) (AMS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:15 | Delta Air Lines 9470 | (BSL) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:15 | Delta Air Lines 7619 | (AMS) (ARN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:00 | Delta Air Lines 9506 | (EDI) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:45 | Delta Air Lines 9522 | (BRS) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:45 | Delta Air Lines 9467 | (BRU) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:40 | Delta Air Lines 9184 | (AMS) (ARN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:30 | Delta Air Lines 8361 | (NTE) (CDG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:30 | Delta Air Lines 8267 | (BSL) (CDG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:21 | Delta Air Lines 6107 | (BAQ) (BOG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:21 | Delta Air Lines 6089 | (BAQ) (BOG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:20 | Delta Air Lines 9172 | (AAL) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:15 | Delta Air Lines 143 | (AMS) (SEA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:10 | Delta Air Lines 9442 | (BER) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:10 | Delta Air Lines 9431 | (AMS) (DUS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:05 | Delta Air Lines 133 | (AMS) (DTW) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:00 | Delta Air Lines 9298 | (AMS) (BRS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:55 | Delta Air Lines 7529 | (VLC) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:50 | Delta Air Lines 8569 | (BER) (CDG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:50 | Delta Air Lines 8563 | (FLR) (CDG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:45 | Delta Air Lines 9190 | (AMS) (BER) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:45 | Delta Air Lines 9437 | (ARN) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:45 | Delta Air Lines 8460 | (CDG) (AGP) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:45 | Delta Air Lines 9376 | (AMS) (FLR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:40 | Delta Air Lines 9555 | (AMS) (TRN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:40 | Delta Air Lines 8593 | (CDG) (FLR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:35 | Delta Air Lines 4165 | (SJD) (AUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:25 | Delta Air Lines 9355 | (AMS) (BSL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:25 | Delta Air Lines 9607 | (AMS) (BRU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:15 | Delta Air Lines 9337 | (AMS) (KRK) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:15 | Delta Air Lines 8478 | (CDG) (ARN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:05 | Delta Air Lines 8078 | (MEX) (AGU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:50 | Delta Air Lines 347 | (MCO) (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:50 | Delta Air Lines 1013 | (MSP) (AUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:50 | Delta Air Lines 9492 | (DUB) (AMS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:45 | Delta Air Lines 8266 | (CDG) (BSL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:40 | Delta Air Lines 9595 | (AMS) (ARN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:35 | Delta Air Lines 3736 | (SEA) (SJC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:35 | Delta Air Lines 7477 | (HAN) (HND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:30 | Delta Air Lines 9179 | (AMS) (AAL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
