Refunds and Compensation for JetBlue Strike

Yurii Moskalenko
30.08.2024
Updated 05.05.2025

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 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 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 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 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.

ItineraryCovered 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:

  1. Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
  2. 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

29.05.202516:40

JetBlue Airways

5191

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Anguilla (AXA)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202516:35

JetBlue Airways

5350

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Nevis (NEV)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202516:13

JetBlue Airways

5372

Mayaguez (MAZ)

San Juan (SJU)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202515:15

JetBlue Airways

6413

Budapest (BUD)

Belgrade (BEG)

delayed

Claim Refund

29.05.202510:00

JetBlue Airways

6629

Doha (DOH)

Entebbe (EBB)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202519:45

JetBlue Airways

5489

Tallahassee (TLH)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

cancelled

Claim Refund

28.05.202518:30

JetBlue Airways

6689

Warsaw (WAW)

Budapest (BUD)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202518:00

JetBlue Airways

6414

Belgrade (BEG)

Budapest (BUD)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202517:50

JetBlue Airways

5105

Boston (BOS)

Rutland (RUT)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202517:15

JetBlue Airways

5127

Boston (BOS)

Provincetown (PVC)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202516:42

JetBlue Airways

5137

Boston (BOS)

Saranac Lake (SLK)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202516:40

JetBlue Airways

5191

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Anguilla (AXA)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202515:30

JetBlue Airways

6314

London (LHR)

Budapest (BUD)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202513:15

JetBlue Airways

6794

Lisbon (LIS)

Ponta Delgada (PDL)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202512:44

JetBlue Airways

1216

Buffalo (BUF)

Boston (BOS)

delayed

Claim Refund

28.05.202510:15

JetBlue Airways

5163

Spanish Town (VIJ)

San Juan (SJU)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202520:15

JetBlue Airways

102

New York (JFK)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202520:00

JetBlue Airways

143

Newark (EWR)

West Palm Beach (PBI)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202516:40

JetBlue Airways

5191

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Anguilla (AXA)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202515:35

JetBlue Airways

6688

Warsaw (WAW)

Budapest (BUD)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202510:40

JetBlue Airways

1288

West Palm Beach (PBI)

Providence (PVD)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202508:20

JetBlue Airways

5559

Doha (DOH)

Lusaka (LUN)

delayed

Claim Refund

27.05.202508:05

JetBlue Airways

5572

Doha (DOH)

Miami (MIA)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202522:05

JetBlue Airways

430

New York (MCO)

Aguadilla (BQN)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202522:02

JetBlue Airways

1929

Boston (BOS)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202521:30

JetBlue Airways

359

Burbank (BUR)

New York (JFK)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202520:51

JetBlue Airways

709

New York (JFK)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202519:30

JetBlue Airways

144

West Palm Beach (PBI)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202517:58

JetBlue Airways

2466

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202517:17

JetBlue Airways

358

New York (JFK)

Burbank (BUR)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202516:42

JetBlue Airways

5137

Boston (BOS)

Saranac Lake (SLK)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202516:30

JetBlue Airways

545

Islip (ISP)

West Palm Beach (PBI)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202515:15

JetBlue Airways

6413

Budapest (BUD)

Belgrade (BEG)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202515:05

JetBlue Airways

6260

London (LHR)

Dusseldorf (DUS)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202514:10

JetBlue Airways

492

Los Angeles (LAX)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202513:20

JetBlue Airways

6256

London (LHR)

Budapest (BUD)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202512:29

JetBlue Airways

9

New York (JFK)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

26.05.202509:00

JetBlue Airways

1886

New York (MCO)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202517:50

JetBlue Airways

5105

Boston (BOS)

Rutland (RUT)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202517:30

JetBlue Airways

6286

London (LHR)

Brussels (BRU)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202517:17

JetBlue Airways

358

New York (JFK)

Burbank (BUR)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202515:59

JetBlue Airways

1009

New York (JFK)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202514:10

JetBlue Airways

492

Los Angeles (LAX)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202513:50

JetBlue Airways

2538

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

San Juan (SJU)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202513:06

JetBlue Airways

605

New York (MCO)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202512:55

JetBlue Airways

5998

New York (JFK)

Saranac Lake (SLK)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202511:35

JetBlue Airways

2537

San Juan (SJU)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202510:05

JetBlue Airways

6632

Lusaka (LUN)

Harare (HRE)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202509:00

JetBlue Airways

1886

New York (MCO)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

25.05.202507:05

JetBlue Airways

2465

Buffalo (BUF)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202522:45

JetBlue Airways

6754

Newark (EWR)

Ponta Delgada (PDL)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202518:05

JetBlue Airways

5996

Boston (BOS)

Rockland (RKD)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202518:05

JetBlue Airways

5933

San Juan (SJU)

Vieques (VQS)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202517:50

JetBlue Airways

5105

Boston (BOS)

Rutland (RUT)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202517:15

JetBlue Airways

5127

Boston (BOS)

Provincetown (PVC)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202516:42

JetBlue Airways

5137

Boston (BOS)

Saranac Lake (SLK)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202516:40

JetBlue Airways

5191

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Anguilla (AXA)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202516:10

JetBlue Airways

5104

Rutland (RUT)

Boston (BOS)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202514:04

JetBlue Airways

2448

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202511:38

JetBlue Airways

398

Seattle (SEA)

Boston (BOS)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202510:35

JetBlue Airways

2549

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202507:00

JetBlue Airways

444

West Palm Beach (PBI)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202506:50

JetBlue Airways

6840

Dublin (DUB)

Brussels (BRU)

delayed

Claim Refund

24.05.202505:32

JetBlue Airways

209

New York (JFK)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202516:45

JetBlue Airways

5477

Tampa (TPA)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

cancelled

Claim Refund

23.05.202516:40

JetBlue Airways

5191

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Anguilla (AXA)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202516:35

JetBlue Airways

5176

San Juan (SJU)

Spanish Town (VIJ)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202515:15

JetBlue Airways

6413

Budapest (BUD)

Belgrade (BEG)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202514:55

JetBlue Airways

6685

Krakow (KRK)

Warsaw (WAW)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202513:35

JetBlue Airways

6873

Hamburg (HAM)

Dublin (DUB)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202511:38

JetBlue Airways

398

Seattle (SEA)

Boston (BOS)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202510:45

JetBlue Airways

6723

Ponta Delgada (PDL)

Lisbon (LIS)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202510:45

JetBlue Airways

6723

Ponta Delgada (PDL)

Lisbon (LIS)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202510:45

JetBlue Airways

6723

Ponta Delgada (PDL)

Lisbon (LIS)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202507:05

JetBlue Airways

2274

Tampa (TPA)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202507:00

JetBlue Airways

5454

Tampa (TPA)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

cancelled

Claim Refund

23.05.202506:50

JetBlue Airways

6840

Dublin (DUB)

Brussels (BRU)

delayed

Claim Refund

23.05.202506:50

JetBlue Airways

6892

Dublin (DUB)

Dusseldorf (DUS)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202522:02

JetBlue Airways

1929

Boston (BOS)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202521:59

JetBlue Airways

539

New York (JFK)

Aguadilla (BQN)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202520:55

JetBlue Airways

1761

New York (LGA)

West Palm Beach (PBI)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202520:51

JetBlue Airways

709

New York (JFK)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202520:40

JetBlue Airways

2421

Boston (BOS)

West Palm Beach (PBI)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202518:35

JetBlue Airways

1567

Westchester County (HPN)

West Palm Beach (PBI)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202518:05

JetBlue Airways

5996

Boston (BOS)

Rockland (RKD)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202518:00

JetBlue Airways

23

(DCA)

West Palm Beach (PBI)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202517:50

JetBlue Airways

5105

Boston (BOS)

Rutland (RUT)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202517:40

JetBlue Airways

5117

Boston (BOS)

Augusta (AUG)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202517:15

JetBlue Airways

5127

Boston (BOS)

Provincetown (PVC)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202516:42

JetBlue Airways

5137

Boston (BOS)

Saranac Lake (SLK)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202516:40

JetBlue Airways

5191

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Anguilla (AXA)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202516:35

JetBlue Airways

5350

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Nevis (NEV)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202514:00

JetBlue Airways

5728

Boston (BOS)

Nantucket (ACK)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202513:30

JetBlue Airways

6412

Belgrade (BEG)

Budapest (BUD)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202513:15

JetBlue Airways

5932

Boston (BOS)

Nantucket (ACK)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202513:00

JetBlue Airways

5115

Boston (BOS)

Nantucket (ACK)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202512:40

JetBlue Airways

5916

Boston (BOS)

Vineyard Haven (MVY)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202512:35

JetBlue Airways

5396

Boston (BOS)

Provincetown (PVC)

cancelled

Claim Refund

22.05.202512:35

JetBlue Airways

2334

West Palm Beach (PBI)

(DCA)

delayed

Claim Refund

22.05.202512:20

JetBlue Airways

5360

Boston (BOS)

Nantucket (ACK)

cancelled

Claim Refund
Yurii Moskalenko
2296 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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