Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for passengers. There is a regulation called EU 261 that protects you. It stipulates that airlines have to issue compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled because of a strike. In this article, we will clarify what EU261 is and how it can assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s focus on the particulars of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will learn about your eligibility for 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 covered by EU 261, you have a right to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers affects your flight. It is worth noting, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
Flight Cancellation Compensation
Under 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 14 days before your planned departure 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 decide to offer you an alternative flight. However, this flight must 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 provided 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 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 |
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 three or more hours.
Concerning the potential compensation amount that passengers could be entitled to, there are two key factors to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. Check 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 situations when a passenger’s flight is either cancelled or delayed for 5 or more hours, the passenger has more significant rights. There are two options for you to choose 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 select the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
Besides 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. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is required to provide you with a hotel, as well as transportation between the airport and the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
In some instances, it occurs the airline can either upgrade or downgrade your flight’s class when providing an alternative flight. In these situations, you should understand 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 here 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 regulations cover all flights within the EU; besides, these rules 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 understand that in cases 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 could significantly 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 happens. As a result, an airline is not required 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 avoid a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, it is required to provide passengers compensation for flight disruptions.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 covers 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, JetBlue isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have 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 JetBlue Strike Compensation
Dealing with cancelled or delayed flights due to strikes is always frustrating. This can not only ruin your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps:
- Complete our 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 handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to obtain your rightful 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 | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20.06.202513:30 | JetBlue Airways 6412 | Belgrade (BEG) Budapest (BUD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
20.06.202511:24 | JetBlue Airways 1296 | Buffalo (BUF) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
20.06.202510:30 | JetBlue Airways 6875 | Berlin (BER) Dublin (DUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
20.06.202510:20 | JetBlue Airways 6841 | Brussels (BRU) Dublin (DUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
20.06.202507:08 | JetBlue Airways 5167 | White River (LEB) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
20.06.202506:50 | JetBlue Airways 6840 | Dublin (DUB) Brussels (BRU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
20.06.202506:30 | JetBlue Airways 1929 | Boston (BOS) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
20.06.202505:25 | JetBlue Airways 917 | Boston (BOS) New York (JFK) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
20.06.202505:01 | JetBlue Airways 209 | New York (JFK) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202523:40 | JetBlue Airways 134 | San Francisco (SFO) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202523:20 | JetBlue Airways 1405 | New York (MCO) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:55 | JetBlue Airways 539 | New York (JFK) Aguadilla (BQN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:50 | JetBlue Airways 1079 | Boston (BOS) Edinburgh (EDI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:55 | JetBlue Airways 2104 | Boston (BOS) London (LGW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:50 | JetBlue Airways 2829 | Boston (BOS) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:49 | JetBlue Airways 190 | Buffalo (BUF) New York (JFK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:45 | JetBlue Airways 6829 | Paris (CDG) Dublin (DUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:33 | JetBlue Airways 916 | Los Angeles (SMF) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:05 | JetBlue Airways 430 | New York (MCO) Aguadilla (BQN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:49 | JetBlue Airways 810 | Jacksonville (JAX) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:45 | JetBlue Airways 1952 | New York (MCO) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:45 | JetBlue Airways 1484 | Raleigh (RDU) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:45 | JetBlue Airways 2468 | Charleston (CHS) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:37 | JetBlue Airways 2066 | New York (RSW) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:25 | JetBlue Airways 709 | New York (JFK) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:15 | JetBlue Airways 2186 | Pittsburgh (PIT) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:10 | JetBlue Airways 470 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:06 | JetBlue Airways 1136 | Detroit (DTW) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:11 | JetBlue Airways 1308 | Atlanta (ATL) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:30 | JetBlue Airways 250 | Savannah (SAV) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:29 | JetBlue Airways 197 | Boston (BOS) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:05 | JetBlue Airways 5372 | San Juan (SJU) Mayaguez (MAZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:00 | JetBlue Airways 2322 | West Palm Beach (PBI) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:48 | JetBlue Airways 5174 | Boston (BOS) White River (LEB) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:16 | JetBlue Airways 5907 | Westchester County (HPN) White River (LEB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:13 | JetBlue Airways 1202 | New York (JFK) Buffalo (BUF) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:12 | JetBlue Airways 1138 | Austin (AUS) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:59 | JetBlue Airways 358 | New York (JFK) Burbank (BUR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:55 | JetBlue Airways 6804 | New York (JFK) Dublin (DUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:49 | JetBlue Airways 932 | Chicago (IAH) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:30 | JetBlue Airways 263 | New York (JFK) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:10 | JetBlue Airways 5350 | Charlotte Amalie (STT) Nevis (NEV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:29 | JetBlue Airways 2901 | Buffalo (BUF) New York (JFK) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:50 | JetBlue Airways 6286 | London (LHR) Brussels (BRU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:24 | JetBlue Airways 142 | Savannah (SAV) New York (JFK) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:51 | JetBlue Airways 5363 | Boston (BOS) Nantucket (ACK) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:45 | JetBlue Airways 6672 | Budapest (BUD) Warsaw (WAW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:30 | JetBlue Airways 5717 | Nantucket (ACK) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:26 | JetBlue Airways 5712 | Boston (BOS) Provincetown (PVC) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:15 | JetBlue Airways 791 | Boston (BOS) Tampa (TPA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:00 | JetBlue Airways 8539 | Boston (BOS) Austin (AUS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:59 | JetBlue Airways 5161 | Boston (BOS) Rockland (RKD) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:58 | JetBlue Airways 5719 | Nantucket (ACK) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:56 | JetBlue Airways 5122 | Boston (BOS) Provincetown (PVC) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:43 | JetBlue Airways 5168 | Boston (BOS) White River (LEB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:30 | JetBlue Airways 8354 | (DCA) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:26 | JetBlue Airways 5966 | Nantucket (ACK) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:20 | JetBlue Airways 5169 | Boston (BOS) Vineyard Haven (MVY) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:15 | JetBlue Airways 1854 | (DCA) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:15 | JetBlue Airways 5709 | Provincetown (PVC) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:08 | JetBlue Airways 5729 | Nantucket (ACK) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:00 | JetBlue Airways 5368 | Bar Harbor (BHB) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:00 | JetBlue Airways 687 | Boston (BOS) Los Angeles (LAX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:56 | JetBlue Airways 5130 | Boston (BOS) Provincetown (PVC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:56 | JetBlue Airways 5130 | Boston (BOS) Nantucket (ACK) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:15 | JetBlue Airways 5726 | Boston (BOS) Provincetown (PVC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:00 | JetBlue Airways 5156 | Bar Harbor (BHB) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:00 | JetBlue Airways 5160 | Rockland (RKD) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:00 | JetBlue Airways 5994 | Vineyard Haven (MVY) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202506:50 | JetBlue Airways 5109 | Nantucket (ACK) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202506:50 | JetBlue Airways 6840 | Dublin (DUB) Brussels (BRU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202506:45 | JetBlue Airways 5175 | Provincetown (PVC) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202506:34 | JetBlue Airways 493 | Boston (BOS) Denver (DEN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202506:30 | JetBlue Airways 2718 | New York (JFK) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202506:00 | JetBlue Airways 696 | Atlanta (ATL) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202505:25 | JetBlue Airways 917 | Boston (BOS) New York (JFK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202523:20 | JetBlue Airways 1405 | New York (MCO) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202522:55 | JetBlue Airways 539 | New York (JFK) Aguadilla (BQN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202522:39 | JetBlue Airways 994 | Denver (DEN) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202521:33 | JetBlue Airways 916 | Los Angeles (SMF) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202520:00 | JetBlue Airways 703 | Newark (EWR) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202519:00 | JetBlue Airways 2071 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Aguadilla (BQN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:51 | JetBlue Airways 9 | New York (JFK) Santo Domingo (SDQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:27 | JetBlue Airways 5117 | Boston (BOS) Augusta (AUG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:16 | JetBlue Airways 5137 | Boston (BOS) Saranac Lake (SLK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202516:59 | JetBlue Airways 358 | New York (JFK) Burbank (BUR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202516:30 | JetBlue Airways 263 | New York (JFK) Seattle (SEA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202514:59 | JetBlue Airways 1586 | New York (MCO) Buffalo (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202511:50 | JetBlue Airways 6794 | Lisbon (LIS) Ponta Delgada (PDL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202507:56 | JetBlue Airways 5130 | Boston (BOS) Provincetown (PVC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202507:10 | JetBlue Airways 806 | Nashville (BNA) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202507:00 | JetBlue Airways 5156 | Bar Harbor (BHB) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202507:00 | JetBlue Airways 5994 | Vineyard Haven (MVY) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202506:45 | JetBlue Airways 5175 | Provincetown (PVC) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202506:00 | JetBlue Airways 891 | Boston (BOS) Tampa (TPA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202501:05 | JetBlue Airways 6465 | Tel Aviv Yafo (TLV) Boston (BOS) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
17.06.202523:35 | JetBlue Airways 96 | Portland (PDX) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202522:39 | JetBlue Airways 248 | Salt Lake City (SLC) Boston (BOS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202522:09 | JetBlue Airways 492 | Los Angeles (LAX) Buffalo (BUF) | delayed | Claim Refund |
17.06.202520:59 | JetBlue Airways 1761 | New York (LGA) West Palm Beach (PBI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
