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Flight Passenger Rights

Do I Have Flight Passenger Rights Under EU 261?

EU 261 specifies the EU flight compensation rules, which regulate not only what happens if you miss your connecting flight due to delay or cancellation, but also the money you’re entitled to claim after the fact. In the table below, you can see if your flight is covered by EU 261:

I flew from an airport
With an EU airline
With an non-EU airline
Inside the EU
Outside the EU

The rules only apply if your flight departs from an EU airport with any carrier or has flown to an airport within the EU with an air carrier registered within the EU. If you flew both to and from an airport outside the EU, you’re not covered. Additionally, if you flew from a country outside the EU and also on a non-EU airline, you’re not eligible for compensation.

You may only be compensated for flight delay if it is not due to “unusual circumstances,” that is, if it is for a reason within the airline’s control, like a mechanical failure, per the EU261 regulations. Delays due to weather or other events the airline does not have control over aren’t covered.

Still not sure what to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled? Turn to an expert like TravelRefund for help. You can fill out a claim with us for free and we will let you know your flight passenger rights at no cost to you, even if you are not entitled to flight compensation.

Extra info

As a passenger, you have a number of rights on flight delays and cancellations that are good to know. Travelrefund.com has therefore made this list that generally reviews your rights on flight delays or cancellations. Your rights are introduced by an EU regulation and the rules have been modified by the courts several times since.

Therefore, it is important that you either familiarize yourself thoroughly with the rules or that your case of compensation for flight delay is treated by something that has a thorough knowledge of your rights as passengers on flight delays and cancellations.


How Much Compensation Do I Get for a Delayed Flight?

One of the most common questions from travelers is, “My flight is delayed – what are my rights?” How much you can get in compensation for flight delay or cancellation depends on the length of the trip and how long you have been delayed when you arrived at your destination. Also, remember that the compensation is per passenger.

Flying Less Than 1,500 km
After 2 hours of delay Meals, 2 free phone calls/e-mail and hotel accommodation and transport if necessary.
After 3 hours of delay As above as well as compensation of 250 Euro.
After 5 hours of delay Refund of the flight ticket in whole or in part if not used.
Flight Between 1,500–3,500 km
After 3 hours of delay Care, 2 free phone calls / e-mail and hotel accommodation and transport if necessary and compensation of 400 Euro.
After 5 hours of delay Refund of the flight ticket in whole or in part if not used.
Flying More Than 3,500 km
After 3 hours of delay Meals, 2 free phone calls / e-mail and hotel accommodation and transport if required and compensation of 300 Euro.
After 4 hours of delay Meals, 2 free phone calls / e-mail and hotel accommodation and transport if necessary and compensation of 600 Euro.
After 5 hours of delay Refund of the flight ticket in whole or in part if not used.

Wondering “What happens if I miss my connecting flight?” The airline will book you on the next available flight. While you wait, you’re entitled to the amenities above, and if your flight delay is longer than 5 hours, you don’t have to take the re-booked flight. You can opt for a refund of the ticket instead.


What Are My Flight Cancellation Rights?

The flight cancellation rights in EU 261 gives you a few options if the airline cancels your flight for reasons within its control. If you choose to be re-booked on the next outbound flight, you’re entitled to the amenities in the chart above while you wait for another flight. Or you can choose to get a ticket reimbursement and a return flight to your original airport of departure, for connecting flights. You’ll also be entitled to additional compensation based on how much longer it takes you to arrive at your destination and the distance of your journey.


What If the Airline Denies My Compensation for a Delayed Flight?

Airlines denying flight compensation and not recognizing flight passenger rights is a common occurrence. This is where the help of experts at TravelRefund can really help. We’ll show you how to claim flight delay compensation, and if the airline refuses to pay compensation, we will evaluate the reasoning for their refusal.

If the airline chooses to reject the claim with a reason that we do not think is good enough, the case can be sent to court to contest the airline’s decision. We take care of all communication with the airline throughout the process, and it’s all included in your package.

Asta has flown with Norwegian Air Shuttle and has received: 467 €

Cecilie has flown with EasyJet and has received: 388 €

Bent has flown with KLM and has received: 623 €

Tommy has flown with EasyJet and has received: 623 €

Thea has flown with Ryanair and has received: 383 €

Ida has flown with Ryanair and has received: 383 €

Lars has flown with Ryanair and has received: 383 €

Leif has flown with Norwegian Air Shuttle and has received: 1.246 €

Henrik has flown with Ryanair and has received: 958 €

Jákup has flown with British Airways and has received: 388 €

Jan has flown with Scandinavian Airlines System and has received: 623 €

Eva has flown with Norwegian Air Shuttle and has received: 582 €

Anna Sofie has flown with Norwegian Air Shuttle and has received: 194 €

Maja has flown with KLM and has received: 623 €

Linda has flown with Norwegian Air Shuttle and has received: 623 €