Flight Delayed with HiSky? Here’s What You Need to Know About Compensation

Flight delays are frustrating – especially when you’re stuck because your HiSky flight didn’t depart on time. The good news is that if you’ve had a flight delayed with HiSky, you may be eligible for compensation for all that lost time and inconvenience. Many travelers aren’t aware of their rights when a flight runs late or gets cancelled, so this article will walk you through the essentials in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. We’ll cover your passenger rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 and the Montreal Convention, give you practical tips on what to do during a delay (like rebooking or finding alternate transport), and show how Trouble Flight can help you claim compensation the easy way. By the end, you’ll know the answer to the big question – “Can I get compensation for a HiSky delay?” – and how to make sure you don’t miss out on money you’re owed.

Meet HiSky: A Growing Low-Cost Airline

First, let’s talk about HiSky itself. HiSky is a relatively new low-cost airline with roots in Eastern Europe. It’s actually split into two branches: one based in Moldova and another in Romania. HiSky’s Moldovan operation is headquartered in Chișinău, Moldova​. Meanwhile, HiSky Europe is the Romanian branch, headquartered in Bucharest, Romania, with its main base at Bucharest’s Henri Coandă Airport and secondary hubs in Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara​. In practical terms, this means HiSky operates flights from multiple hubs in the region. In fact, with a fleet of eight aircraft, HiSky runs flights from airports in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Satu Mare, Iași, Oradea, and Chișinău, covering 31 direct routes and 23 connecting routes​.

HiSky’s destinations range from domestic Romanian routes (like Bucharest to Cluj) to international flights across Europe (destinations in Germany, France, Italy, UK, Israel, etc.) and even long-haul flights. Recently, HiSky launched non-stop flights from Bucharest to New York, becoming the only operator offering direct flights from Romania to the US​. They also operate charter flights to vacation spots like Zanzibar and the Maldives.

Why does all this matter if your HiSky flight is delayed? Because the routes and hubs determine which passenger-rights laws apply. Many HiSky flights depart from or arrive in EU countries (like Romania, France, or Germany), which means European Union regulations on air passenger rights likely cover your flight. For flights outside the EU zone (for example, a route from Chișinău to Tel Aviv), international rules like the Montreal Convention come into play. Knowing a bit about the airline’s network helps you figure out which rights you can invoke when things go wrong. Now, let’s break down those rights so you know what you’re entitled to.

Your Rights as an Air Passenger When Flights Are Delayed

Nobody likes waiting around due to a delayed flight, but at least air passenger rights can soften the blow. Both European law and international agreements protect travelers in these situations. The two big names to know are EU Regulation 261/2004 (often just called “EU261”) and the Montreal Convention. Don’t worry, we’ll keep this simple:

EU Regulation 261/2004: Compensation for Delays in the EU

If your HiSky flight was flying from an EU country or was operated by HiSky’s EU-based branch, EU Regulation 261/2004 is your best friend. This regulation sets out clear rules for what airlines owe you in cases of long delays, cancellations, or boarding denials. Under EU261, if your flight arrives 3 or more hours late to its destination, you are entitled to a fixed compensation between €250 and €600, depending on the flight distance​. The idea is that the longer the flight or delay, the more compensation you receive – for example, shorter flights (under 1500 km) are usually €250, medium-haul flights (~1500–3500 km) €400, and long-haul flights over 3500 km up to €600 in compensation​. This is per passenger, by the way – so each person can get that amount. It’s basically the EU’s way of saying “your time is valuable.”

It’s important to note a couple of conditions. The 3-hour rule is key: a 2.5-hour delay won’t qualify for compensation, but a 3+ hour delay (measured at arrival time) does​. Also, the delay must be the airline’s fault (within their control). If your HiSky flight was delayed because of something like extreme weather, air traffic control strikes, or other extraordinary circumstances outside HiSky’s control, then compensation might not be owed​. (You should still get assistance like meals or rebooking, though – more on that soon.) However, if the delay is due to issues like technical problems with the aircraft, scheduling mishaps, or crew shortages, those are usually considered within the airline’s control, meaning HiSky would owe you the compensation. European courts have interpreted the rules pretty strictly, so airlines have a hard time avoiding payment unless it truly was something beyond their control​.

Besides the money, EU261 also says the airline must take care of you during a lengthy delay. This means if you’re stuck waiting for hours, the airline has to provide free meals and drinks, access to communication (like a phone call or email), and if necessary, hotel accommodation and transport to the hotel if an overnight stay is needed​. These are often called “right to care” provisions. For example, if your HiSky evening flight from Paris to Bucharest is delayed until the next morning, HiSky should arrange a hotel for the night and transportation to get you there and back to the airport, plus meals in the meantime. Always keep receipts for any expenses you pay out-of-pocket due to a delay (like if you end up buying your own meal or booking a hotel yourself after getting airline approval), because under EU261 and the Montreal Convention you can claim those back later​. In short, EU law is on your side in a big way if your flight is substantially delayed: you shouldn’t be stranded hungry or forced to sleep on a bench, and eventually you could get a few hundred euros for the trouble.

The Montreal Convention: Rights on International Flights Worldwide

What if your HiSky flight doesn’t fall under EU rules (for instance, a route completely outside the EU, like a flight from Turkey to Moldova)? This is where the Montreal Convention comes in. The Montreal Convention is an international treaty adopted by over 135 countries, designed to protect air passengers globally​. It covers things like delays, cancellations, and baggage issues for international flights. HiSky, even though based in Moldova/Romania, flies internationally, so the Montreal Convention can apply to many of its routes (especially ones that aren’t covered by EU261).

The Montreal Convention works a bit differently from EU261. It doesn’t promise a fixed lump sum for a delay; instead, it allows you to claim compensation for actual damages and losses you suffered due to the delay​. In plain language, that means you can get reimbursed for costs that the delay caused you – for example, if you missed a non-refundable hotel booking, a tour, or had to pay extra for meals and an unplanned overnight stay, those are financial damages you incurred because of the delay. You’ll need to provide receipts or proof of these expenses when making a claim​. The airline’s liability (the amount they can be forced to pay you back) is capped at a certain limit under the treaty. Currently, the maximum compensation for delay-related damages under Montreal is roughly 5,500 euros (around $7,000–8,000 USD in value) per passenger​. This cap is quite high, and most people’s extra costs won’t hit that ceiling, but it’s there to prevent unlimited claims.

A key thing to remember about the Montreal Convention is that it’s case-by-case. Unlike EU261 where a 3-hour delay automatically triggers a right to, say, €400, under Montreal you have to show what specific monetary losses the delay caused you. If you didn’t have any extra costs (maybe you were just inconvenienced or lost time, but didn’t spend money), Montreal Convention might not compensate you at all for a delay. It’s more about reimbursement than a punitive or inconvenience payout. Still, it’s a powerful protection because it applies to almost all international flights worldwide, even outside Europe​. So if your HiSky flight from Chișinău to Dubai or Tel Aviv was severely delayed and EU laws don’t apply, you can look to Montreal Convention rights. Always file a claim promptly if you intend to use this (and again, save all receipts from the ordeal).

Bottom line: Between EU261 and the Montreal Convention, most HiSky travelers have some form of protection when flights are delayed. EU law gives you clear-cut compensation and care when applicable, while Montreal covers you for losses on international trips. Now, knowing your rights is one thing – but what should you actually do when that dreaded delay happens? Let’s talk about practical steps to take if you find yourself stuck due to a HiSky flight delay.

What to Do When Your HiSky Flight is Delayed

So you’re at the airport and you see your HiSky flight is delayed… what next? It’s easy to feel helpless or get upset (and hey, it is upsetting!), but there are a few smart moves you can make to ease the pain and set yourself up for a smoother experience – and to help with a future compensation claim. Here are some practical suggestions for travelers dealing with a delayed flight:

• Stay Informed and Talk to the Airline: As soon as you learn of a delay, keep an eye on the departure boards and your phone for updates from HiSky. Information is power. Don’t hesitate to approach the HiSky customer service desk or gate agents to ask what’s going on. Sometimes airlines won’t volunteer details, but it helps to politely ask about the cause of the delay and the expected departure time. If the delay keeps extending, continue to check in. Also, ask the airline staff about what assistance they will provide while you wait (meal vouchers, etc.). Showing that you know you have rights can prompt them to be more forthcoming.

• Know Your Right to Care (Food, Drinks, Accommodation): Remember those EU rules? If your delay stretches past a few hours (typically 2+ hours for short flights, 3+ for longer flights), HiSky is obligated to offer you refreshments or meal vouchers, and if it drags into an overnight delay, they should provide a hotel stay and transport to it​. If they don’t proactively give you anything, it’s worth reminding the staff politely: “Am I entitled to a meal voucher for this delay?” For example, if you’re stuck in Bucharest Otopeni airport for an extra 5 hours, HiSky should give you food and drink to keep you comfortable. If they physically can’t arrange these (say the delay announcement came late at night after airport restaurants closed), make sure to keep receipts of any food or necessities you buy yourself so you can claim the cost back later​. The same goes for hotel and transport – often the airline will arrange it, but if you have to book your own hotel in a pinch, get authorization if possible and save all documentation.

• Consider Rebooking or Rerouting: If the delay is very long or turns into a cancellation, you have options. EU rules say you’re entitled to rerouting or a full refund if a flight is cancelled or delayed over 5 hours when you decide not to travel​. In many cases, HiSky might automatically try to put you on the next available HiSky flight to your destination. But what if the next HiSky flight is the next day or there isn’t one? It’s worth asking the airline if they can book you on an alternative airline if yours is heavily delayed or cancelled. For example, if your HiSky flight from London Stansted to Chișinău is cancelled, maybe they can put you on the next flight with another carrier like Wizz Air or Air Moldova if seats are available. Airlines don’t always offer this upfront, but you can request it – especially if the delay is their fault. If they won’t or can’t, you might choose to buy a ticket on another airline yourself to get to your destination sooner. Just keep in mind if you do that, you should be able to claim a refund for your HiSky ticket (since you didn’t use it) and possibly claim the extra cost under Montreal Convention or travel insurance if it was a necessity due to the cancellation. Always weigh the urgency of your travel vs. the hassle/cost of rebooking yourself.

• Look into Other Transport Modes: Sometimes an alternate flight might not be the only way. If your journey is relatively short-distance or regional, consider ground transport. For example, if your HiSky domestic flight within Romania (say Bucharest to Cluj) is severely delayed or cancelled, the next flight might be many hours away. It might actually be faster to take a train or an inter-city bus in some cases. Europe’s train network is extensive, and while a train ride from Bucharest to Cluj might take around 8 hours, if your flight was cancelled and the next available flight isn’t until the next day, jumping on the train could get you there sooner. Likewise, for routes between cities that are a few hundred kilometers apart, renting a car or sharing a ride with other stranded passengers could be an option. Always inform the airline if you decide not to take the delayed flight, especially if you expect a refund, and again keep receipts if this results in additional costs. This way you can potentially claim those costs back.

• Keep Documentation of the Delay: While dealing with the delay, make sure you hold on to your boarding pass and booking documents. It’s also wise to jot down notes about the delay: when did it start, how long did it ultimately last, and what reason (if any) was given by HiSky. If the airline sends you any emails or text updates about the delay, save those. This documentation is incredibly useful later when filing a compensation claim. If you end up filing for EU261 compensation, you’ll need to provide your flight info (date, flight number, delay length, etc.). Having it written down helps. In some cases, you can even ask the airline for a written confirmation of the delay and its cause – some passengers do this at the customer service desk. It’s not mandatory, but if they provide it, it’s great evidence.

By following these steps, you’ll not only make a tough situation a bit more bearable, but you’ll also set yourself up to successfully claim compensation afterward. Speaking of which, let’s address that burning question you probably have now.

Can I Get Compensation for a HiSky Delay?

Absolutely — you can, if your situation meets certain criteria. If your HiSky flight was delayed by 3 hours or more on arrival and it falls under the coverage of EU Regulation 261/2004, you are likely entitled to compensation. HiSky operates many flights from EU airports (especially given its Romanian hub), so chances are good that EU rules apply to your trip. In that case, as we covered, you could claim €250 to €600 per person for the delay, depending on the flight distance​. This compensation is your legal right – it’s not a favor from the airline. So if, say, your flight from Frankfurt to Chișinău (operated by HiSky) got you in 4 hours late, that’s a >3 hour delay on a route around 1,400 km, which would mean about €250 owed per passenger in compensation (assuming the cause wasn’t extraordinary). If it was a longer route, e.g. Paris to Chisinau (~2,000+ km) delayed 4 hours, that’d be about €400 each. And for very long flights like Bucharest to New York, a 3+ hour delay could mean €600 compensation. The key is the delay has to be significant (3h+) and caused by the airline’s own issues.

What if your HiSky flight was not under EU jurisdiction? For instance, a flight from Chișinău to Istanbul (departing outside the EU on a non-EU carrier) isn’t covered by EU261. In that scenario, you cannot claim the EU fixed compensation, but you might seek reimbursement under the Montreal Convention for any financial losses the delay caused. Let’s be realistic, though: if you didn’t spend extra money due to the delay, Montreal Convention won’t yield much. It’s mainly if you, for example, missed a connection that you paid for separately, or had to book a hotel because of the delay, etc., that you could claim those expenses. Also, many travelers have travel insurance which can cover flight delays too – sometimes if a delay is long enough, travel insurance will pay a fixed benefit (like $100 for 6+ hour delay) or cover your out-of-pocket costs. It’s worth checking your policy.

Another common question: “Does it matter why the flight was delayed?” Yes, it does. If the delay was due to bad weather, air traffic control issues, security alerts, or other extraordinary events, compensation can be denied under EU rules​. You still get the right to care (food, etc.), but HiSky wouldn’t have to pay the €250–€600 since it wasn’t their fault. On the other hand, if the delay was due to something like a technical fault in the plane or a crew scheduling mix-up, those are considered the airline’s responsibility and you do get compensation. HiSky won’t usually volunteer the info if it was their fault – they might just say “technical issues” vaguely. However, “technical issues” are the airline’s fault (unless it was a very unforeseeable rare issue). The bottom line: if in doubt, file a claim. Many airlines initially reject claims citing “extraordinary circumstances” even when it’s debatable. Using a service like Trouble Flight (introduced next) or pursuing further can often overturn that if it wasn’t truly extraordinary.

So, if you had a flight delayed on HiSky, there’s a good chance you can get compensation. Don’t let the opportunity slip by – too many people chalk it up to bad luck and move on, but you could be leaving hundreds of euros on the table. Now, how do you actually claim this money? You have two main options: go after the airline yourself, or use a professional service to handle it. Let’s look at the easy route: letting Trouble Flight do the heavy lifting for you.

Claiming Compensation the Easy Way with Trouble Flight

Dealing with airlines and bureaucracy can be a headache – forms, emails, maybe even legal arguments. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of fun (you’ve already been through a delayed flight, after all), Trouble Flight is here to help. Trouble Flight is a company that specializes in claiming flight compensation on behalf of passengers. Think of them as your friendly experts who know the rules inside-out and will fight the airline for you, so you don’t have to. They make the process easy and hassle-free for travelers.

Here’s how it works in a nutshell: Trouble Flight operates on a “no-win, no-fee” model, which means you only pay for their service if they actually succeed in getting you compensation​. There’s zero upfront cost to start a claim. You submit your flight details (like your HiSky flight number, date, what happened) on their website, and their team will evaluate if you have a valid claim under EU261 or Montreal, etc. If it looks good, they’ll pursue the claim with HiSky on your behalf. This includes all the paperwork, communication, and even legal action if necessary. As their team describes, they handle everything from filing the claim to negotiating with the airline, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve without any hassle​. You can sit back and not worry about the technicalities or the back-and-forth.

Now, you might wonder, what’s the catch? How does Trouble Flight make money if I’m not paying upfront? If they win your case, they take a commission from the compensated amount. Specifically, their standard service fee is 25% of the compensation plus VAT​. For example, if they get you €400, their fee would be €100 + VAT (Value Added Tax) on that fee. You get the rest. If for some reason they don’t win (maybe the airline proved the delay was due to weather or some loophole), you pay nothing at all – that’s the no-win, no-fee promise​. It’s a win-win scenario: they are motivated to win because that’s how they get paid, and you don’t risk money by trying.

Sometimes airlines play hardball and refuse to pay even when the case is valid – in those instances, Trouble Flight can escalate the case to court with the help of partner lawyers. If legal action is needed, there’s an additional fee, but don’t worry: even with legal proceedings, the total fee is capped at 50% of the compensation (VAT included)​. In other words, you will always receive at least half of the payout minimum, even if it had to go to court. (Many cases don’t reach that stage, but it’s good to know they’ll go to bat for you if needed – and only charge that extra fee if they win in court.)

Using Trouble Flight is incredibly straightforward. You fill out a simple form online with your flight info and delay details, which takes just a few minutes. They might ask for any documentation you have (boarding pass, booking, etc.) – remember those we told you to keep! After that, you can relax. They’ll update you on the progress of the claim. Most claims with airlines are settled through correspondence, but if it drags on, you have peace of mind that professionals are handling it. For a 25% commission, many people find it well worth it to avoid the stress and time of doing it alone. After all, if you didn’t even know you could get compensation, without a service like this you might never claim anything – so getting 75% of what you’re entitled to (after the fee) is a lot better than 0%.

Trouble Flight isn’t the only company of this kind out there, but they pride themselves on transparency and efficiency. Their fee is in line with or lower than industry standards, and they clearly state it upfront. There are no hidden charges. And because they’re specialists, they have experience dealing with airlines (including smaller ones like HiSky) and know the tricks of the trade. They even handle claims for other issues like cancellations or baggage problems – so they’ve seen it all. For you, the traveler, it means one less thing to worry about.

Don’t Miss Out on What You’re Owed

Having a flight delayed is never fun – it can ruin plans, cause stress, and leave you with memories you’d rather not have. But knowing that there’s a silver lining in the form of possible compensation can make that ordeal sting a little less. If you’ve experienced a flight delayed by HiSky, don’t just sigh and move on. Take action. You now know that laws like EU261 are there to back you up and that claiming compensation isn’t some crazy, unattainable task. It’s your right as a passenger, and thousands of travelers successfully claim their compensation every year.

Whether you decide to claim it by yourself or use a hassle-free service like Trouble Flight, the important thing is to check your eligibility. It costs nothing to find out. Many people don’t realize they could get money back in their pocket for the inconvenience they suffered. Airlines (unsurprisingly) aren’t in a rush to tell you about it. That’s why being informed is crucial. Imagine you and your family were delayed on HiSky for half a day and you’re entitled to, say, €400 each – that could be €800 for a couple, or €1600 for a family of four. That’s not trivial – it could pay for your next holiday, or at least a nice treat to make up for the ruined travel day!

In summary, if your HiSky flight was delayed, you have options and rights. Use the tips we’ve outlined to navigate the immediate situation, remember to claim what you’re entitled to, and don’t let the airlines off the hook when they owe you. You endured the delay; now make sure you get what’s due. Checking for compensation is quick, risk-free, and can be very rewarding. So the next time you hear “We’re sorry, the flight is delayed,” you’ll know exactly what to do – and you might just end up turning that delay into a bit of a payday. Safe travels, and may your future flights be smooth (but if not, you know what to do!).