When an EasyJet flight is cancelled or delayed due to weather, it falls under “extraordinary circumstances.” This means that passengers are not entitled to compensation. According to Article 5 III of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, airlines like EasyJet have no control over such circumstances and cannot prevent their occurrence, even if “all reasonable measures have been taken by the air carrier concerned to avoid delays or cancellations.” Consequently, EasyJet flight cancellations due to weather are not eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights in Case of EasyJet Flight Delay or Cancellation due to the Weather
EasyJet flights delayed due to weather often lead to significant travel disruptions for passengers. Fortunately, airline passengers worldwide are protected by EU Regulation EU 261 when taking off from an EU airport or landing in the EU by an EU airline. EU 261 was created to protect air passengers and allow them to claim compensation for flight cancellations, delays, and weather-related delays for which the airline is responsible.
However, some delays or cancellations due to weather conditions are considered “extraordinary circumstances,” meaning that the event in question was beyond the control of the airline. So, if your EasyJet flight cancelled due to weather, this exempts the airline from paying compensation. Therefore, if EasyJet flights cancelled due to weather, they often fall under this category, leaving passengers without compensation.
Most Common Weather-Related Issues When Flying
Bad weather is often synonymous with disrupted flying. Here is a non-exhaustive list of weather conditions that may cause your flight to be delayed or cancelled:
- Strong winds
- Thunderstorms
- Storms
- Cyclones
- Fog: low visibility
- Snowfall
- De-icing problems on take-off or landing runways
- Aircraft struck by lightning
- Other natural disasters
Bad weather is one of the primary reasons for flight disruptions, as cited by airlines. Usually, passengers are eligible to claim compensation if their flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, resulting in an arrival at their final destination over 3 hours late (or 2 hours for cancellations). When extreme weather is the reason, though, this is not applicable. ‘Severe weather’ is a common excuse used by airlines to avoid providing compensation. Because these circumstances are regarded as uncommon, airlines are not required to reimburse customers. EasyJet frequently experiences this problem, especially when weather-related flight delays or cancellations occur.
When Are You Entitled to Compensation?
If the airline could have taken action to avert the problem, you might be entitled to compensation. Airlines frequently use the excuse of “bad weather” to avoid having to pay compensation, even when no other flights are impacted. Passengers may find it challenging to demonstrate the real reason for the cancellation or delay as a result.
An airline must provide proof that it made every effort to reroute passengers as soon as feasible in order to claim extraordinary circumstances. This covers not just their own flights but also flights operated by other airlines as well as other modes of transportation like taxis, buses, and trains.
A frequent excuse used by airlines is the absence of de-icing fluid. If a flight is canceled because there was no de-icing fluid available, this is not an extraordinary circumstance, as the airline should have been prepared for this situation.
Therefore, while EasyJet flight cancellations due to weather are often considered extraordinary, there are cases where compensation may still be possible. Always verify that the airline has exhausted all possible efforts before accepting their explanation.
EasyJet Compensation for Flight Delay or Cancellation due to Weather
Although weather-related delays and cancellations are often considered extraordinary circumstances, there are instances where you may still be entitled to compensation if the airline could have taken measures to prevent the issue. Below is a table outlining potential compensation amounts based on flight distance and itinerary:
| Flight Distance and Itinerary | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|
| All flights 1,500km or less | ✅ 250€ |
| Internal EU flights over 1,500 km | ✅ 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights between 1,500-3,500km | ✅ 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights over 3,500km | ✅ 600€ |
If your EasyJet flight was cancelled due to weather compensation might not be available unless it can be proven that the airline failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the delay or cancellation.
Which EasyJet Flights are Covered by EU 261
EU 261 applies to all passengers on flights within Europe, as well as to flights departing from a European airport and those landing in Europe on European airlines. This regulation ensures that passengers are protected and eligible for compensation in certain circumstances. Below is a table detailing the coverage of flights under EU 261:
| Itinerary | EU Air Carrier | Non-EU Air Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
For EasyJet flights, which are operated by an EU airline, this means that passengers are generally covered when flying within the EU or from the EU to other destinations. However, coverage can vary, particularly when flying to the EU on a non-EU carrier. Understanding these nuances is crucial when seeking compensation for issues like EasyJet flight cancellation due to weather.
How to Claim Compensation from EasyJet for Flight Delay or Cancellation due to Bad Weather
Flight problems can occur for many reasons, but if you’ve been inconvenienced by EasyJet, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s how to initiate a claim for compensation from EasyJet under EU Regulation 261:
- Fill Out the Compensation Form: Start by completing the Compensation Form with important information about the disrupted flight. Include the flight number, the date of the flight, and a detailed description of what exactly went wrong, whether it was a delay due to weather or a cancellation.
- Submit Your Information: Once you have provided all the relevant information, submit the form. Our experts will then begin working on your case, taking over the hard work and ensuring you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. This includes managing claims for flight cancellations due to weather and other disruptions covered by the regulation.
By taking these steps, you can effectively claim the compensation you deserve from EasyJet. Our experts are here to assist you throughout the process, helping to ease the burden and maximize your chance of a successful claim.
Other Rights Covered by Regulation EU261
In addition to monetary compensation, you have the right to several other forms of assistance when your flight is delayed or cancelled. These air passenger rights are designed to ensure your comfort and well-being during unexpected disruptions.
Right to Care
If the flight is delayed for 2+ hours, regardless of whether the airline is at fault for the delay or not, the airline must provide you with food, drinks, and access to means of communication, such as two phone calls, e-mails, or faxes. If the delay exceeds 6 hours, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transportation to and from the airport. This ensures that passengers affected by EasyJet flight delays due to weather or any other issue are taken care of, even if compensation isn’t applicable.
Ticket Refund or Re-routing
If your flight delay exceeds five hours, you are entitled to a full or partial refund of your original ticket. Additionally, you can request a return flight to your point of departure if needed. This right applies even during EasyJet flight cancellations due to weather, ensuring passengers have options to manage severe disruptions.
Upgrading and Downgrading
When offered an alternative flight, an upgrade is free of charge if available. However, if you are downgraded to a lower class, you are entitled to a reimbursement of 30-75% of the original ticket price. This policy ensures fair treatment and prevents extra costs for passengers rebooking flights.