Missed connection & long delay on an Iberia/American flight from US to Spain. Am I entitled to compensation?
Today I was scheduled to fly MSP->CLT->MAD. The flights were operated by American, but I booked with Iberia, and the flight number I received for the transatlantic portion was an Iberia flight number.
Unfortunately, the flight from MSP->CLT was delayed due to mechanical issues, and I missed my connection to Madrid. American got me a hotel room in Charlotte and put me on the same flight to Madrid tomorrow, meaning my arrival will be delayed 24 hours. It appears this really was the next available flight and it probably wouldn't have been possible for them to get me there earlier.
I'm wondering if I can get some sort of compensation for this very long delay. It appears that EU Regulations would entitled me to compensation in this situation if this were an EU carrier. It's not clear to me if this applies in my case where I'm flying American but booked with Iberia and have an Iberia flight number.
My questions are:
- Am I entitled to compensation in this case?
- If I am not, is there a good chance I could get something if I ask for it?
- If I ask for compensation, should I do so in person at the Charlotte airport (where I will presumably be speaking to American Airlines employees), or should I just file a claim electronically with Iberia?
Best Answer
Pretty sure EU261 rules dont apply in this regard, as the operative line in the regulation is:
- This Regulation shall apply: … (b) to passengers departing from an airport located in a third country to an airport situated in the territory of a Member State to which the Treaty applies, unless they received benefits or compensation and were given assistance in that third country, if the operating air carrier of the flight concerned is a Community carrier.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32004R0261
Emphasis mine.
American was the operating airline in your case, so the regulations dont apply.
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Can I claim compensation for a delayed international flight?
When a flight delay occurs, you are entitled to assistance and a choice between rerouting, reimbursement, or rebooking. If you arrive at your destination more than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time, you are entitled to the same reimbursement, rerouting, and rebooking structure as a denied boarding.Does American Airlines compensate for missed connections?
If your flight is canceled or a delay causes you to miss your connection, we'll rebook you on the next flight with available seats.What happens if you miss a connection due to a delayed flight?
What happens if a flight is delayed and you miss your connection? If you miss your connection due to a delay, usually the airline is responsible for providing you with a replacement flight to your destination. They will have to book you on the earliest possible flight available.How long can a flight be delayed before compensation American Airlines?
American Airlines passengers are entitled to a delay compensation in the event of any of the following: Flight delay: If your American Airlines flight arrived at your destination more than 3 hours after ETA. Flight Cancellation: if you were not informed of cancellation or informed less than 14 days before departure.The Head and the Heart - Missed Connection [Official Music Video]
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