easyJet is a popular budget airline established in 1995. Headquartered at London Gatwick Airport, easyJet flies to over 150 airports worldwide across more than 1,000 routes. With over 80 percent of its flights leaving within 15 minutes of their scheduled times in 2018, easyJet ranked as the fourth-best UK airline for punctuality.
Despite its good track record, delays and cancellations can happen with any airline. That’s why it’s important for travelers to know their rights to easyJet delay compensation and be ready to handle such situations. Don’t let a flight delay or cancellation ruin your trip – EU 261 is here to protect you and all EU air passengers.
If your easyJet flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, you may be eligible to file for compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the length of your flight:
In addition to compensation, you’ll also be entitled to a refund of your ticket price. However, this only applies if easyJet cancelled your flight. If you change your plans or cancel your trip for personal reasons, you won’t be covered under EU 261.
To qualify for easyJet delay compensation, you need to calculate whether you arrived – or would have arrived – at your destination at least 3 hours later than planned. Eligibility is based on arrival time, not departure time.
According to EU courts, a flight’s 'arrival time' is defined as the time when the plane opens at least one of its doors. If you meet this requirement, the next step is to determine your compensation based on your flight length and the delay duration:
| Delay Length | Flight Length | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3 hours or more | Less than 1,500km | €250 |
| 3 hours or more | Between 1,500km and 3,500km | €400 |
| 3-4 hours | More than 3,500km, between an EU and non-EU airport | €300 |
| 4 hours or more | More than 3,500km, between an EU and non-EU airport | €600 |
Airlines often overbook flights to maximize profits by selling more tickets than there are seats, assuming not all passengers will show up. However, this strategy can backfire, leading to overbooked flights. If you are bumped from your flight, you can file an easyJet compensation claim.
Overbooking is nearly always the airline’s fault, meaning you are entitled to compensation. However, other reasons for being denied boarding (such as intoxication, illness, or lacking the correct documents) are at the crew’s discretion, and you would not be eligible for compensation in those cases.
To be eligible for easyJet compensation based on your flight’s delay or cancellation, you must also meet the following criteria:
One of the most important factors is whether the delay or cancellation was within the airline’s control. Weather, natural disasters, bird strikes, airport closures, and political unrest are considered 'extraordinary circumstances,' meaning easyJet is not liable for compensation in these cases.
However, if the delay or cancellation was caused by factors within easyJet’s control, such as overbooked flights, staffing problems, or mechanical issues, you are entitled to compensation under EU 261. The regulation holds airlines accountable for avoidable disruptions, encouraging them to improve their processes.
In addition to compensation, EU 261 provides other passenger rights. For instance, you are always entitled to a refund for cancelled flights, regardless of the reason for the cancellation. The airline may offer to re-route you, but you can opt for a refund instead. This refund is separate from any compensation for delays.
For delays, easyJet will try to rebook you on the next available flight. If the delay lasts more than 5 hours, you don’t have to accept the rebooking. The airline must then arrange alternative transportation or return you to your origin point, free of charge. You may also be entitled to compensation.
During your wait, easyJet must provide assistance such as meals, refreshments, phone calls, and hotel accommodations (if you need to stay overnight). Save your receipts if the airline doesn’t provide vouchers, as you may be able to include these expenses in your compensation claim.
Arrive early and stay aware of any signs of a potential delay or cancellation, such as increased activity or discussions at the gate. This can give you an advantage in securing the next available flight.
Frequent flyers and rewards members may get priority for the next available flight. If you fly often, consider joining a loyalty program.
Knowing your rights under EU 261, as outlined here, helps you secure the accommodations and compensation you’re entitled to and ensures a successful compensation claim.
Always ask for the reason for your flight’s delay or cancellation, and get it in writing if possible. Save your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any receipts for food or accommodation. These documents may be necessary to make a successful claim.
Once you’ve gathered all your documentation, filing a compensation claim with TravelRefund is easy. Simply make a claim on our website, and we’ll handle the communication with easyJet on your behalf. Since airlines often delay these processes, having a professional team helps ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
At TravelRefund, we are experts in easyJet delay compensation, cancelled flight refunds, and more. We’ll work to uncover the real reason for your flight delay and even take the case to court if needed. Our 'no cure, no pay' system means you only pay if we win.
Still have questions? Contact us to learn more about your rights and how to file an easyJet compensation claim. Contact us today.