Claiming Flight Disruption Compensation Under EU Regulation 261/2004

Have you ever suffered a flight disruption? If so, you could be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Although it’s sometimes difficult to claim your money back, it is still possible – and ClaimFlights can help!

We believe that every street should be an avenue for justice, that no person should be taken advantage of and no airline should get away with avoiding its duties. That’s why we exist. Our mission? To ensure everyone affected by a flight disruption has the right information and tips at their fingertips to quickly claim the compensation they’re due.

In this article we will discuss what EU Regulation 261/2004 is, the key compensation points to consider when claiming flight disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances, provide examples of extraordinary circumstances and explain exactly how ClaimFlights can help you with your request. So read on, as we dive right into the depths of claiming flight disruption compensation!

What Does a Disrupted Flight Mean?

A disrupted flight refers to a flight that has been canceled, delayed, diverted, or rescheduled by the airline company or any other unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather conditions, technical issues, strikes, or any other reason that prevents the flight from operating as originally scheduled. This can cause inconvenience and frustration for passengers who may have to make alternative travel arrangements or face a longer waiting period before their flight can depart.

Compensation for Flight Disruptions under EU Regulation 261/2004

Do you know that if your flight has been canceled or is subject to long delays, you may be eligible for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and the Council? This regulation applies to all airlines that provide flights departing from an EU member state or arriving at an EU member state with any EU-regulated airline, regardless of where the airline is based.

You may claim compensation up to €600 per passenger. Whereas, in the event of extraordinary circumstances such as weather conditions, technical defects, strikes, and political instability, there’s no compensation.

The amount depends on the distance of flight—for example, on a flight within EU countries, you can get up to €250; within 1,500km outside EU countries you can get up to €400; and over 3,500km outside EU countries up to €600.

EU Regulation 261/2004 offers passengers protection in cases the airlines were responsible for flight disruptions, but not due to unavoidable extraordinary circumstances. Knowing your rights is crucial for taking action when necessary.

What Are Extraordinary Circumstances?

The EU Regulation 261/2004 establishes a basis for passengers to receive compensations when their flights are disrupted, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that all disruptions will be eligible.

In fact, passengers must meet certain criteria and it must be proven that the disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances.

So what are these extraordinary circumstances? The regulation defines them as “unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the airline”. These could include things like political issues in a particular country, extreme weather conditions, strikes, health and safety issues, security risks… and more.

In conclusion – extraordinary circumstances can make a big difference when filing for flight disruption compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Knowing what extraordinary circumstances are—and whether or not they apply to your situation—can help you determine your eligibility for compensation.

What Kinds of Compensation Can You Claim?

So, what type of compensation can you claim under EU Regulation 261/2004? Well, it all depends on the circumstances of your disruption. Generally speaking, you can claim:

Monetary compensation

Monetary compensation is based on the flight distance and must be paid within seven days after the disrupted flight. You may be entitled to compensation between €250 and €600 per passenger.

Care services

Under certain circumstances, airlines are obliged to provide care services such as refreshments, meals, and accommodation if needed.

Refunds or re-routing

In case of a flight cancelation or a long delay, airlines are required to offer the option of reimbursement for the full amount of fare paid for said flight or offer a rerouting on alternative flights (if applicable).

Claiming flight disruption compensation is not always an easy process so it’s best to have someone who has experience in dealing with these cases guiding you along your journey! With ClaimFlights’ professional help, they will make sure your rights are respected and that you get the best possible outcome for your claim.

How to Claim Compensation Following Flight Disruptions

One way to claim compensation for disruptions is to do it through the airline. The amount of your claim depends on the distance of your flight, and if you took a direct or connecting flight.

Even if the disruption was caused by something outside the airline’s control, like bad weather, staff strikes, or air traffic control issues, most airlines will offer some form of compensation — but they don’t always make that clear.

Fortunately, this is where ClaimFlights comes in. We provide a compensation calculator so you can see exactly how much you are due according to EU Regulation 261/2004 and then offer assistance with claims filing so you don’t have to worry about it yourself.

Here’s how it works:

1. Enter your flight details into the Compensation Calculator
2. Submit your claim request form
3. A ClaimFlights representative will contact your airline on your behalf and proceed with processing your claim with them
4. We will manage any communication between you and the airline until you receive a satisfactory resolution to your claim
5. Once the airline pays out an approved claim amount we charge 25% of the total value as our service fee

Advice on Collecting Evidence to Support Your Claim

You might be wondering, how can I make sure my claim will be successful? The answer is simple: gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim.

This might include paperwork, pictures, videos, emails, and other forms of proof which demonstrate the disruption you faced.
Here are some tips on collecting evidence to support your claim:

Get copies of the necessary documents

Ensure that you obtain copies of all related documents such as flight tickets, boarding passes, and other relevant receipts. The more paperwork you have in your possession to provide evidence for your claim, the better!

Record details of the incident

It’s important to record details of the disruption from your own perspective such as flight cancellations and delays. Take notes about when it happened, who was involved, and any other relevant information that could help prove your case.

Take photos or videos where possible

Taking photos or videos at the airport can also be very helpful in proving your case. If you experienced a lengthy delay or had to wait for a rebooking process, it may show how disruptive this was for you.

By following these steps you should have more than enough evidence to make a successful compensation claim according to EU Regulation 261/2004.