Flight cancellations or delays due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for travelers. 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 as a result of a strike. In this article, we will explain what the EU 261 regulation is and how it can assist you.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
Now let’s explore the specifics of EU Regulation 261/2004. In the following sections, you will discover your entitlement to compensation and what benefits you can expect in case of a flight disruption.
Right to Compensation
The European Union regulation states that if you are protected by EU 261, you are entitled to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers affects your flight. It is worth noting, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” which are events outside the airline’s control.
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 about the cancellation within two weeks before your scheduled travel date.
Yet, as it often happens, 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 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 reached 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. Check the table provided 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 can significantly disrupt your itinerary. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts three or more hours.
Regarding the possible amount of compensation that passengers could be entitled to, there are two crucial 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 situations when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger is entitled to more substantial rights. There are two options for you to choose from:
- You can refuse the delayed or cancelled 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 select the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
Besides compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight due to an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. So, the airline is required to 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 transport to and from the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Occasionally it happens the airline might 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 is obligated to reimburse you. Again, the compensation here 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 rules cover all flights inside the EU; additionally, these rules 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 know that in cases where the airline cannot influence or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute could considerably affect aviation (it can be a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not their fault that this situation happens. As a result, the airline is not obligated to pay compensation for disrupted flights.
Although many cases of strikes are not covered by EU261 and are classified as “extraordinary circumstances”, this does not automatically mean that the airline will not provide 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. 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, Southwest Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged 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.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Get Southwest Airlines Strike Compensation
Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, take the following actions:
- Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
17.07.202514:20 | Southwest Airlines 2054 | Columbus (CMH) Nashville (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
17.07.202512:45 | Southwest Airlines 114 | Albuquerque (ABQ) Nashville (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
17.07.202512:20 | Southwest Airlines 981 | Columbus (CMH) Baltimore (BWI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
17.07.202509:30 | Southwest Airlines 126 | Albuquerque (ABQ) Baltimore (BWI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
17.07.202506:55 | Southwest Airlines 656 | Tampa (TPA) Baltimore (BWI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202521:55 | Southwest Airlines 205 | Denver (DEN) Tucson (TUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202521:55 | Southwest Airlines 2830 | Las Vegas (LAS) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 3469 | St Louis (STL) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 3478 | Las Vegas (LAS) Tucson (TUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202521:30 | Southwest Airlines 3353 | Chicago (MDW) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202521:10 | Southwest Airlines 3946 | Chicago (MDW) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202520:50 | Southwest Airlines 963 | New Orleans (MSY) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202520:45 | Southwest Airlines 4393 | Chicago (DAL) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202520:35 | Southwest Airlines 2068 | Chicago (MDW) Tucson (TUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202519:50 | Southwest Airlines 840 | Austin (AUS) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202519:40 | Southwest Airlines 302 | Denver (DEN) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202519:25 | Southwest Airlines 1841 | Indianapolis (IND) Baltimore (BWI) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
16.07.202519:00 | Southwest Airlines 2046 | Las Vegas (LAS) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202517:55 | Southwest Airlines 1521 | Milwaukee (MKE) New York (MCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202517:50 | Southwest Airlines 4007 | Chicago (MDW) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202517:45 | Southwest Airlines 1081 | Tampa (TPA) Baltimore (BWI) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
16.07.202517:35 | Southwest Airlines 2278 | Milwaukee (MKE) St Louis (STL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202517:35 | Southwest Airlines 2702 | Denver (DEN) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202517:30 | Southwest Airlines 3970 | Milwaukee (MKE) Baltimore (BWI) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
16.07.202517:25 | Southwest Airlines 3825 | Milwaukee (MKE) Nashville (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202516:30 | Southwest Airlines 8914 | Milwaukee (MKE) Nashville (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202516:20 | Southwest Airlines 3971 | Milwaukee (MKE) New York (DCA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
16.07.202516:20 | Southwest Airlines 3899 | Las Vegas (LAS) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202516:15 | Southwest Airlines 1798 | Baltimore (BWI) Milwaukee (MKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202516:05 | Southwest Airlines 2838 | Denver (DEN) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202515:50 | Southwest Airlines 3329 | Milwaukee (MKE) Chicago (DAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202515:45 | Southwest Airlines 3381 | New York (DCA) Milwaukee (MKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202515:25 | Southwest Airlines 1192 | Nashville (BNA) Milwaukee (MKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202515:00 | Southwest Airlines 2305 | Denver (DEN) Milwaukee (MKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202514:00 | Southwest Airlines 291 | Austin (AUS) Milwaukee (MKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202513:50 | Southwest Airlines 3551 | Albuquerque (ABQ) Chicago (MCI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202513:20 | Southwest Airlines 733 | Nashville (BNA) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202513:10 | Southwest Airlines 2590 | Chicago (DAL) Milwaukee (MKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202512:55 | Southwest Airlines 101 | Albuquerque (ABQ) Austin (AUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202512:55 | Southwest Airlines 3345 | Las Vegas (LAS) Milwaukee (MKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202512:30 | Southwest Airlines 2114 | Albuquerque (ABQ) Chicago (DAL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202512:25 | Southwest Airlines 522 | Denver (DEN) Burbank (BUR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202512:00 | Southwest Airlines 2769 | Albuquerque (ABQ) Baltimore (BWI) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
16.07.202512:00 | Southwest Airlines 4240 | San Jose (SJC) San Diego (SAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202511:50 | Southwest Airlines 4484 | San Jose (SJC) Austin (AUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202511:15 | Southwest Airlines 1015 | San Jose (SJC) Denver (DEN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202511:00 | Southwest Airlines 3372 | Phoenix (PHX) Louisville (SDF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202510:35 | Southwest Airlines 1941 | Baltimore (BWI) Louisville (SDF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202510:35 | Southwest Airlines 2382 | Tampa (TPA) Buffalo (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202510:20 | Southwest Airlines 2150 | Houston (HOU) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202509:40 | Southwest Airlines 951 | Phoenix (PHX) Milwaukee (MKE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202509:05 | Southwest Airlines 1283 | Raleigh (RDU) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202507:55 | Southwest Airlines 2845 | Denver (DEN) Tucson (TUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202507:35 | Southwest Airlines 4021 | New Orleans (MSY) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202506:45 | Southwest Airlines 4770 | Tampa (TPA) Columbus (CMH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202506:45 | Southwest Airlines 2454 | Houston (HOU) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
16.07.202506:20 | Southwest Airlines 3491 | Tucson (TUS) Denver (DEN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202522:55 | Southwest Airlines 3506 | Los Angeles (LAX) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202522:05 | Southwest Airlines 1765 | New York (MCO) Memphis (MEM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202522:05 | Southwest Airlines 559 | Chicago (MDW) Memphis (MEM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202522:05 | Southwest Airlines 149 | New York (MCO) New Orleans (MSY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202522:00 | Southwest Airlines 1902 | Baltimore (BWI) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202521:55 | Southwest Airlines 255 | Chicago (MDW) Buffalo (BUF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202521:55 | Southwest Airlines 3726 | New York (MCO) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202521:55 | Southwest Airlines 3175 | Houston (HOU) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202521:50 | Southwest Airlines 1010 | Nashville (BNA) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 3469 | St Louis (STL) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202521:45 | Southwest Airlines 2307 | St Louis (STL) Chicago (MCI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202521:30 | Southwest Airlines 3097 | Houston (HOU) Chicago (MCI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202521:00 | Southwest Airlines 3579 | Chicago (MDW) New York (DCA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202520:55 | Southwest Airlines 261 | Austin (AUS) Chicago (MCI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202520:40 | Southwest Airlines 1974 | Tampa (TPA) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202520:35 | Southwest Airlines 2022 | St Louis (STL) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202520:00 | Southwest Airlines 2644 | New York (MCO) Chicago (MCI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202519:40 | Southwest Airlines 302 | Denver (DEN) Tulsa (TUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202519:30 | Southwest Airlines 290 | Phoenix (PHX) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202519:25 | Southwest Airlines 4453 | Denver (DEN) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202519:25 | Southwest Airlines 1178 | Nashville (BNA) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202519:15 | Southwest Airlines 224 | Tampa (TPA) Chicago (MCI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202519:10 | Southwest Airlines 372 | Chicago (MCI) New York (MCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202519:10 | Southwest Airlines 3986 | Bozeman (BZN) Denver (DEN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202519:00 | Southwest Airlines 2628 | Chicago (MDW) New York (MCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202517:25 | Southwest Airlines 3755 | Denver (DEN) New York (MCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202517:20 | Southwest Airlines 2909 | Las Vegas (LAS) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202516:30 | Southwest Airlines 2532 | Denver (DEN) New York (MCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202515:50 | Southwest Airlines 2773 | Los Angeles (LAX) Chicago (MDW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202512:55 | Southwest Airlines 1540 | Burbank (BUR) Phoenix (PHX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
15.07.202512:30 | Southwest Airlines 1466 | Memphis (MEM) Nashville (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202511:40 | Southwest Airlines 785 | St Louis (STL) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202511:15 | Southwest Airlines 1015 | San Jose (SJC) Denver (DEN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
15.07.202511:05 | Southwest Airlines 1543 | Oakland (OAK) Burbank (BUR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
15.07.202508:40 | Southwest Airlines 4277 | San Jose (SJC) Denver (DEN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
14.07.202522:40 | Southwest Airlines 2844 | Denver (DEN) Tucson (TUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
14.07.202521:55 | Southwest Airlines 4423 | San Diego (SAN) Tucson (TUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
14.07.202517:30 | Southwest Airlines 543 | Grand Rapids (GRR) Baltimore (BWI) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
14.07.202516:45 | Southwest Airlines 1437 | Chicago (MDW) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
14.07.202516:15 | Southwest Airlines 1545 | Burbank (BUR) Phoenix (PHX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
14.07.202516:10 | Southwest Airlines 491 | Grand Rapids (GRR) Las Vegas (LAS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
14.07.202515:35 | Southwest Airlines 4473 | St Louis (STL) Seattle (SEA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
13.07.202520:10 | Southwest Airlines 2399 | Louisville (SDF) Baltimore (BWI) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
