easyJet is a popular budget airline that was established in 1995. Its headquarters are at London Gatwick Airport, but easyJet flies to more than 150 airports worldwide on over 1,000 routes. It has a good record for on-time flights, with just over 80 percent leaving within 15 minutes of their scheduled times in 2018. That’s the fourth best UK airline!
However, it’s always possible to encounter delays and cancellations with any airline. It’s important for travelers to be aware of their rights to easyJet delay compensation and be prepared to handle the situation. 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 flight has been cancelled, it’s easy to determine if you’re eligible to file an easyJet compensation claim. As long as your flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, you could be entitled to compensation. How much compensation will you get? That depends on the length of your flight:
You’ll also be entitled to a refund of your ticket price, in addition to the amounts listed above. Keep in mind, EU 261 only entitles you to these amounts if easyJet cancelled your flight. If you change your plans, get sick, or otherwise choose to cancel your trip, you won’t be covered.
Determining your eligibility for easyJet flight delay compensation is a bit more complicated. You need to calculate whether you will arrive – or would have arrived – at your destination at least 3 hours later than planned. Eligibility for an easyJet claim is based on arrival time, not departure time.
The EU courts have clarified that 'arrival time' means the time at which the plane opens at least one of its doors. If you meet this requirement, the next step is determining how much compensation you're entitled to, based on the length of your flight 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 |
Overbooking flights is a common tactic for airlines to maximize profits. Airlines purposefully sell more tickets than available seats, assuming not all passengers will show up. This can result in an overbooked flight – and you could be bumped. Fortunately, you can file an easyJet compensation claim if this happens.
Overbooking is nearly always the airline's fault, meaning you’ll be entitled to compensation if you’ve been bumped for this reason. However, other legitimate reasons easyJet may deny you boarding include if you have been drinking, are too ill to travel, or lack the right documents. In these cases, you wouldn’t be able to file an easyJet claim.
After determining eligibility based on your flight length and delay, you must also meet the following criteria:
The most important criterion is whether the cancellation or delay was within the airline’s control. Reasons beyond easyJet’s control – such as weather, natural disasters, bird strikes, airport closures, and political unrest – are considered 'extraordinary circumstances,' and the airline is not responsible for delays due to these reasons.
You will be entitled to easyJet delay compensation if the reason for the delay was within the airline’s control, such as overbooked flights, staffing issues, or mechanical problems. EU 261 seeks to hold airlines accountable for these situations to encourage improvement in internal processes.
Beyond compensation for delays, EU 261 grants you other rights. First, you’re always entitled to a refund of your ticket price for cancelled flights, regardless of the reason. The airline may offer to re-route you on the next available flight, but if that doesn’t work for you, you can opt for a refund. This refund is separate from any additional compensation you may be eligible for.
For delayed flights, easyJet will likely try to put you on the next available flight. If the delay is longer than 5 hours, you don’t have to take the next flight. The airline is required to arrange alternate transportation or return you to your origin point, free of charge. On top of that, you may be entitled to compensation.
While waiting for the next flight, the airline must provide assistance, such as meals and refreshments, phone calls or emails, and hotel accommodation if needed. Save your receipts if they don’t provide vouchers, as you may add these expenses to your claim.
Arrive at your gate early and be aware of signs of delays or cancellations, such as increased staff activity. Being alert allows you to be first in line to rebook your flight.
Frequent flyers and rewards members often get priority for the next available flight. If you fly often, consider joining.
Knowing what you’re entitled to, as outlined above, is the most effective way to ensure you get accommodations and file a successful compensation claim.
Always ask for the reason for your flight delay or cancellation, and get it in writing if possible. Save your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any receipts for expenses while waiting for your flight. These documents may be needed to make a successful claim.
Once you’ve gathered all the documentation, filing a claim for easyJet delay compensation is easy with TravelRefund. You can make a claim on our website, and we’ll handle communication with the airline from that point on. Airlines often drag their feet, so having a professional on your side can speed up the process.
At TravelRefund, we are experts in easyJet delay compensation, cancelled flight refunds, and more. We’ll fight to determine the real reason for your delay, and take the airline to court if necessary. Our 'no cure, no pay' system ensures you only pay if we win.
Still have questions? We can answer all your questions about easyJet compensation claims. Contact us today.