Originally Posted by
Often1
Both EC 261/2004 and US DOT rules apply to this ticket. The former because TP is a Member State (EU) carrier and because your ticket originated in the EU and the latter because the destination is in the US. Although there is no compensation for this cancellation, your Section 8 rebooking rights most certainly do apply and it appears that TP has recognized this (as it must). Similarly, TP has specifically recognized the entitlement to a refund in its response to your DOT complaint.
Yes, of course you are correct about rights outside compensation under EC261. I missed out an "only" in my reply, now revised
However, under current conditions it is nigh on impossible to enforce anything other than refund, and with TP a
cash refund will be received more easily through the alternative credit card route. Rebooking rules seem to be carrier defined and can be a mess, while rerouting is rarely attainable.
It's fortunate that TP has been driven into generous rebooking rules, including extending ticket validity to end-2022 and using cabin-class rather than fare-designator for availability. If the OP is holding a ticket acquired at a good fare, it might be better to take advantage of the rebooking rules for future travel - but crossing fingers that TAP is still around.