Delayed flights cause significant problems for travelers worldwide. In 2018, nearly 25 percent of flights from the UK were delayed by 15 minutes or more. For frequent travelers or those relying on connecting flights, delays can be even more frustrating. That’s why the EU introduced European Regulation EC 261/04. It was designed to create an accessible system for compensation in cases of flight delays or cancellations, helping to hold airlines accountable.
What Rights Do I Have When My Flight Is Delayed?
If your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600.
If you are forced to wait for your flight, airlines are required to inform you of your additional rights related to flight delays, such as:
- Food and beverages within the airport as you wait. The amount depends on the length of the flight.
- Lodging and transportation to and from the airport if you’re required to wait overnight due to the delay.
These flight delay rights take effect after just 2 hours, so even if you don’t qualify for compensation for a delay of 3 hours or more, you may still be entitled to refreshments and accommodation. Just make sure to contact the airline or visit the ticket counter at your gate.
If your flight is delayed more than 5 hours, you can choose not to take the flight. The airline must then do one of the following:
- Refund the cost of your ticket
- Arrange alternative transportation, such as rail
- Provide a transfer back to your original departure point (for delayed connecting flights)
Do I Qualify for Airline Delay Compensation?
Your flight delay rights depend on fulfilling a few simple criteria. Use the following checklist to determine if you’re eligible.
- Your flight either takes off or lands in the EU.
- The airline is based in the EU.
- You have a valid ticket and a booking confirmation.
- Your flight is delayed 3 hours or more.
Your eligibility for flight delay compensation is based on your arrival time at the destination airport, not your departure time. This means the delay must cause you to arrive at your destination at least 3 hours later than scheduled.
What does ‘arrival’ mean? Your flight is considered to have arrived when at least one of the plane’s doors is opened. Check your watch! If you’re at least 3 hours later than your originally scheduled arrival time, you may be entitled to airline delay compensation.
Passengers should be aware that their flight delay rights only apply if the inconvenience is caused by something that is within the airline’s control. This is the ‘extraordinary circumstances’ clause, and we’ll discuss it more below.
How Much Compensation Am I Owed for a Delayed Flight?
Once you determine you meet all the criteria, the next step is to calculate your payout. Compensation payouts range from €250–600. The total amount of flight delay compensation you’re entitled to depends on the length of your journey and the duration of the delay, rather than the cost of your ticket. Check the chart below to see how much you could receive.
- Short distance flight delays (anything below 1500km of travel), call for compensation of €250.
- Medium distance flight delays (between 1500km and 3500km) points toward passengers being due €400 in compensation.
- Long distance flight delays (anything over 3500km) calls for compensation of €600 per passenger.
| Delay to your arrival | Flight distance | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 3 hours or more | Less than 1,500km | €250 |
| Between 1,500km and 3,500km | €400 | |
| More than 1,500km and within the EU | €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 |
What Are Extraordinary Circumstances for Delayed Flights?
As mentioned, passengers are only entitled to compensation if the reason for the delay was within the airline’s control. Mechanical and maintenance issues are among the most common reasons passengers can exercise their flight delay rights, as these are considered within the airline’s control.
Staffing problems or shortages may also be considered within the airline’s control. So, if your flight is delayed because the airline is waiting for a qualified pilot or additional flight attendants, this could qualify you for flight delay compensation.
On the other hand, plane delay compensation does not apply if there were ‘extraordinary circumstances.’ This includes anything that is not within the airline’s control.
For example, poor weather conditions that prevent takeoff are a very common cause of delays – but you won’t be able to exercise your flight delay rights in this case. Other extraordinary circumstances include:
- Birds fly into the engines
- Political instability
- Employee strikes
- Airport or airspace closures
TravelRefund Fights for Your Late Flight Compensation
When pursuing compensation, be aware that airlines might try to delay the process or evade responsibility. That’s why it’s crucial to know your flight delay rights and ask the airline for the reason for the delay while it’s happening. This makes it harder for the airline to falsely claim extraordinary circumstances.
Hiring an expert is always a smart way to go. TravelRefund’s mission is to help smooth your path to compensation. Once your claim is filed with us, we will contact the airline on your behalf to make the compensation claim. We handle all aspects of communication, which can often be a detailed and lengthy process.
Our team understands and anticipates the excuses airlines often use when faced with a flight delay compensation claim. However, if the airline is responsible for the delay, they are expected to pay. Our legal experts will fight to ensure your claim is successful and beneficial.
We handle your flight delay compensation case on a ‘no cure, no pay’ basis. If you don’t receive compensation, you don’t pay.
Easily make a flight delay claim by filling out our online form and we will review the case, free of charge. Not sure if you qualify? You can always contact us for questions. We’re happy to help.