Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for travelers. There is a regulation called EU 261 that protects you. It stipulates that airlines must issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed because of a strike. In this article, we will explain 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 rights to 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 protected by EU 261, you are entitled to claim compensation if a wildcat or planned strike by airline workers affects your flight. Notably, that both cases do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control.
Spirit Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
Under EU Regulation 261, you can receive 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 it often happens, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, 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 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 |
Spirit Airlines Flight Delay Compensation
Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and may seriously affect your plans. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts three or more hours.
As for the potential compensation amount that passengers may receive, there are two important things 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 situations when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger obtains more substantial rights. You have two options to select 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 choose the option that meets your needs.
Right to Care
Besides flight compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers are also entitled to the right to care. Therefore, the airline must provide passengers with meals, drinks, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. If your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline has to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport between the airport and the hotel.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Occasionally it happens the airline can either upgrade or downgrade 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 won’t have 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 apply to all flights inside the EU; additionally, these rules cover flights that are either departing from or arriving in the European Union on EU-based airlines.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, you should know 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 can significantly affect aviation (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such occasions are not under an 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 provide compensation.
In line with 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, it is required to provide passengers compensation for flight disruptions.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also covers 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, Spirit Airlines isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required 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 Spirit Airlines Strike Compensation
Dealing with delayed or cancelled flights due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To claim compensation for this inconvenience, take the following actions:
- Fill in our 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 comprehensively and will make every effort 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 | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11.11.202506:45 | Spirit Airlines 541 | San Antonio (SAT) Los Angeles (LAX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:00 | Spirit Airlines 540 | Los Angeles (LAX) San Antonio (SAT) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:12 | Spirit Airlines 271 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) San Antonio (SAT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:41 | Spirit Airlines 3032 | San Juan (SJU) Chicago (ORD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:23 | Spirit Airlines 1338 | New York (ACY) New York (RSW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:15 | Spirit Airlines 400 | Bogota (BOG) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202513:19 | Spirit Airlines 686 | Norfolk (ORF) New York (MCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202512:04 | Spirit Airlines 602 | Newark (EWR) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202510:52 | Spirit Airlines 2049 | Chicago (ORD) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202510:27 | Spirit Airlines 685 | New York (MCO) Norfolk (ORF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202510:25 | Spirit Airlines 807 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202510:24 | Spirit Airlines 859 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Cartagena (CTG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202510:15 | Spirit Airlines 8931 | Philadelphia (PHL) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202510:09 | Spirit Airlines 2971 | Austin (AUS) Newark (EWR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202509:00 | Spirit Airlines 8827 | Tampa (TPA) New York (MCO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202508:49 | Spirit Airlines 2251 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Atlanta (ATL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202508:00 | Spirit Airlines 3031 | Chicago (ORD) San Juan (SJU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202507:05 | Spirit Airlines 3030 | Dallas (DFW) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202507:00 | Spirit Airlines 1520 | Detroit (DTW) Tampa (TPA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202506:48 | Spirit Airlines 620 | Chicago (ORD) New York (MCO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202506:00 | Spirit Airlines 370 | Charlotte (CLT) New York (LGA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202506:00 | Spirit Airlines 402 | New York (LGA) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202505:45 | Spirit Airlines 2056 | Cleveland (CLE) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202505:10 | Spirit Airlines 1 | Chicago (ORD) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
10.11.202501:20 | Spirit Airlines 1332 | Los Angeles (LAX) Chicago (ORD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202523:59 | Spirit Airlines 115 | Las Vegas (LAS) Chicago (ORD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202523:59 | Spirit Airlines 2450 | Las Vegas (LAS) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202522:10 | Spirit Airlines 813 | Philadelphia (PHL) Nashville (BNA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202522:07 | Spirit Airlines 19 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Chicago (ORD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202521:36 | Spirit Airlines 2409 | Baltimore (BWI) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202521:00 | Spirit Airlines 623 | New York (MCO) Chicago (ORD) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202520:35 | Spirit Airlines 554 | Chicago (IAH) Miami (MIA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202520:21 | Spirit Airlines 797 | Cleveland (CLE) Nashville (BNA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202520:08 | Spirit Airlines 282 | Tampa (TPA) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202519:39 | Spirit Airlines 1709 | Miami (MIA) New York (LGA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202519:30 | Spirit Airlines 3103 | Nashville (BNA) New York (MCO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202519:05 | Spirit Airlines 155 | Atlanta (ATL) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202518:55 | Spirit Airlines 1704 | New York (LGA) Miami (MIA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202518:40 | Spirit Airlines 1823 | New York (MCO) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202518:11 | Spirit Airlines 529 | Charleston (CHS) Newark (EWR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202517:38 | Spirit Airlines 1715 | Nashville (BNA) Miami (MIA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202517:38 | Spirit Airlines 1715 | Nashville (BNA) Miami (MIA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202517:30 | Spirit Airlines 3102 | New York (MCO) Nashville (BNA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202517:25 | Spirit Airlines 2254 | Atlanta (ATL) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202516:54 | Spirit Airlines 1828 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Norfolk (ORF) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202516:41 | Spirit Airlines 796 | Nashville (BNA) Cleveland (CLE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202516:00 | Spirit Airlines 8897 | Charlotte (CLT) Nashville (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202515:53 | Spirit Airlines 1527 | New Orleans (MSY) Nashville (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202515:15 | Spirit Airlines 400 | Bogota (BOG) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202515:10 | Spirit Airlines 239 | Barranquilla (BAQ) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202515:04 | Spirit Airlines 1714 | Miami (MIA) Nashville (BNA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202514:55 | Spirit Airlines 526 | Newark (EWR) Charleston (CHS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202514:46 | Spirit Airlines 521 | Myrtle Beach (MYR) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202514:31 | Spirit Airlines 123 | Raleigh (RDU) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202514:26 | Spirit Airlines 606 | Newark (EWR) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202513:51 | Spirit Airlines 339 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) San Juan (SJU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202513:19 | Spirit Airlines 2408 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Baltimore (BWI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202512:58 | Spirit Airlines 2328 | Detroit (DTW) Boston (BOS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202512:15 | Spirit Airlines 1964 | Key West (EYW) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202512:00 | Spirit Airlines 8802 | Chicago (ORD) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202511:30 | Spirit Airlines 238 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Barranquilla (BAQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202510:59 | Spirit Airlines 374 | New York (LGA) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202510:48 | Spirit Airlines 1827 | Newark (EWR) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202510:41 | Spirit Airlines 237 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Medellin (MDE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202510:31 | Spirit Airlines 1520 | Detroit (DTW) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202510:30 | Spirit Airlines 335 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) San Jose (SJO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202510:30 | Spirit Airlines 164 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Key West (EYW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202510:25 | Spirit Airlines 807 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Bogota (BOG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202510:24 | Spirit Airlines 859 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Cartagena (CTG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202509:34 | Spirit Airlines 2403 | Charlotte (CLT) Tampa (TPA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202509:02 | Spirit Airlines 121 | Charleston (CHS) Newark (EWR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202508:45 | Spirit Airlines 2445 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Richmond (RIC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202508:29 | Spirit Airlines 1876 | New York (LGA) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202508:28 | Spirit Airlines 1334 | Chicago (ORD) Chicago (IAH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202507:20 | Spirit Airlines 113 | Miami (MIA) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202505:45 | Spirit Airlines 120 | Newark (EWR) Charleston (CHS) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202505:14 | Spirit Airlines 3010 | Chicago (IAH) Newark (EWR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
09.11.202505:10 | Spirit Airlines 1 | Chicago (ORD) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
09.11.202501:20 | Spirit Airlines 1332 | Los Angeles (LAX) Chicago (ORD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202521:53 | Spirit Airlines 1405 | Atlanta (ATL) Tampa (TPA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.11.202521:37 | Spirit Airlines 282 | Tampa (TPA) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.11.202520:47 | Spirit Airlines 1906 | Chicago (IAH) Atlanta (ATL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.11.202519:21 | Spirit Airlines 1721 | New Orleans (MSY) Miami (MIA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.11.202519:00 | Spirit Airlines 540 | Los Angeles (LAX) San Antonio (SAT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202517:59 | Spirit Airlines 281 | New Orleans (MSY) Tampa (TPA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.11.202517:12 | Spirit Airlines 1720 | Miami (MIA) New Orleans (MSY) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.11.202516:32 | Spirit Airlines 2447 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Newark (EWR) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.11.202516:13 | Spirit Airlines 817 | New York (MCO) Nashville (BNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202515:25 | Spirit Airlines 1351 | Miami (MIA) Dallas (DFW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202514:56 | Spirit Airlines 1828 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Norfolk (ORF) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.11.202514:50 | Spirit Airlines 1752 | New York (MCO) Latrobe (LBE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202514:46 | Spirit Airlines 521 | Myrtle Beach (MYR) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202514:44 | Spirit Airlines 528 | Cancun (CUN) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202513:55 | Spirit Airlines 895 | Charlotte Amalie (STT) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202513:35 | Spirit Airlines 1329 | Comayagua (XPL) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202513:26 | Spirit Airlines 735 | Philadelphia (PHL) Miami (MIA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202513:09 | Spirit Airlines 353 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Christiansted (STX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202512:59 | Spirit Airlines 1704 | New York (LGA) Miami (MIA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202512:02 | Spirit Airlines 783 | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Higuey (PUJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.11.202511:54 | Spirit Airlines 2446 | Richmond (RIC) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
