Before contacting the airline or asking for reimbursement, here’s what you need to know about your air passenger rights, what you’re entitled to, and your options for receiving compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
The EU 261 regulations provide strict guidelines for flight compensation to travelers whose flights have been delayed, canceled, or overbooked. It’s important to understand your rights under EU 261 so you can know how to claim flight compensation. In many cases, passengers may be entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600 when flights are delayed or canceled while flying to or from EU countries.
EU 261 extends beyond monetary compensation, including the airline’s obligation to inform passengers of their rights, offer reimbursement or re-routing, and provide vouchers and meals during delays. However, not every flight delay or cancellation qualifies for compensation. Compensation from the airline depends on:
According to the EU guidelines, air passenger rights apply when:
In some cases, the airline operating the delayed or canceled flight may not be the same airline from which you bought your ticket. For compensation claims, only the airline that operates the flight can be held responsible. The cause of the delay or cancellation must also be within the airline’s control and not due to extraordinary circumstances.
To receive compensation, the delay or cancellation cannot be due to extraordinary circumstances, which are forces beyond the airline’s control that could not have been predicted. Examples of extraordinary circumstances include:
Flight delays or cancellations that are not considered extraordinary circumstances may include:
If the airline does not provide a valid explanation for your flight’s cancellation or delay, you have the right to make a claim for compensation. TravelRefund is here to assist with a legal assessment and advise you on how to claim flight compensation for the full amount you deserve.
Your flight delay compensation is determined by the length of the delay and the distance traveled. Compensation is negotiable depending on the circumstances but is capped at €600. The airline is required to take care of you or pay compensation based on how many hours your flight is delayed according to these guidelines:
When your flight is delayed by at least two hours, the airline must inform you of your rights to meals and accommodations while you wait. Under the right to care, the airline should offer:
If your flight is delayed to your final destination by more than three hours, you are entitled to compensation unless extraordinary circumstances apply. Here’s the basic breakdown of compensation based on flight distance:
During the delay, you are also entitled to meals and drinks, and hotel accommodations if the delay lasts overnight.
If the delay extends past five hours, the airline is responsible unless extraordinary circumstances are involved. The airline must offer you the choice of waiting for the next flight or giving you:
If you choose to take the next available flight, you can still be entitled to up to €600. Knowing how to claim compensation for a delayed flight ensures you receive the full amount and other amenities to which you’re entitled.
Passengers with canceled flights in the EU are entitled to compensation according to EU 261 guidelines. Canceled flights may include reimbursement for a ticket and up to €600 in compensation. However, if your flight was canceled due to extraordinary circumstances, the airline is not responsible. To be eligible, the flight must meet the following conditions:
The amount of compensation and your eligibility depend on when you were notified about the cancellation, the length of the flight, and how long you had to wait for a new flight. Other factors include:
When your flight is canceled, you can choose to take the next available flight and still be entitled to benefits and accommodations while you wait. You can also choose to take a full refund and not take the next flight.
If you miss a connecting flight due to a cancellation, you have the right to compensation if:
By knowing your rights and how to claim flight compensation, you may be entitled to more than just a refund for your flight.
Whether the airline must pay EU flight compensation depends on the departure and arrival cities, how long you had to wait, and the reason for the delay or cancellation. Before you make a delayed flight claim or seek reimbursement for a canceled flight, explore more about your EU261 passenger rights and consider these options for filing a claim:
The EU Commission advises that you contact the airline first using either the form provided by the airline or the EU air passenger rights form. Be sure to provide the names of the passengers, the flight number, and the reason given for the delay.
If you don’t receive a reply from the airline within two months, or if you are not satisfied with the response, you can file a complaint with the National Enforcement Body (NEB) in the country where the flight was canceled or delayed. The NEB should provide you with a legal opinion on how to proceed with your claim.
With TravelRefund, you can start talking to an authorized EU flight compensation expert today who can explain your passenger rights and handle all the details for you. All claims collected through TravelRefund are handled by ACEA Law, one of Europe’s leading law firms for airline compensation cases.
Dealing with a delayed or canceled flight, asserting your rights, and knowing how to claim compensation can be challenging. Luckily, you don’t have to go at it alone. Whether the airline claims extraordinary circumstances or fails to communicate properly, we are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
TravelRefund simplifies the process when dealing with flight delays and cancellations. As a leading flight compensation company, we have a solid understanding of EU 261 passenger rights and flight delay compensation to help you claim what’s rightfully yours. If you want to know more about your passenger rights and how to claim compensation, fill out our free online form or contact us today!