Compensation for air travel in the EU
EU 261 Regulations set guidelines for travelers to be compensated for delayed and canceled flights, but only under certain circumstances. Whether you are entitled to flight compensation from the airline for a delayed, overbooked or canceled flight depends on whether the starting and/or final destination is within the EU, how long and why you were delayed, and whether the airline is registered in the EU. The chart below can help you determine if you’re eligible for EU flight compensation.
I Flew from an Airport
With an EU Airline
With a Non-EU Airline
Inside the EU
Outside the EU
Keep in mind that you can easily be entitled to compensation, even if it says “no” in the schedule if you have had a connecting flight on the trip – this also applies to charter trips.
Does the chart say you’re entitled to flight delay compensation? There is one more qualification: The delay must not be due to what is called in the rules “extraordinary circumstances” – that is, things that are completely outside the airline’s control and which the airline could not in any way have predicted or prepared for. Weather is one example of an extraordinary circumstance – airlines don’t have to pay EU flight compensation if the delay is due to weather.
What counts as an “extraordinary circumstance” is a legal assessment, and it is usually here that the battle between the airline and TravelRefund’s legal team happens.
How much you can get in compensation from the airline for your overbooked, delayed or canceled flight 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. Check out the EU flight compensation rules for more information on flight reimbursement amounts.
In addition to EU flight compensation, if your flight is delayed for more than 2 hours, you are entitled to:
A free meal and refreshment
A free phone call
In case of a delay of more than 5 hours, you will also be entitled to a free overnight stay (if necessary) as well as transportation to and from the airport during the stay. It’s important to learn what to do if your flight is delayed so that you can claim the vouchers and amenities you’re entitled to.