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 a non-EU airline |
|---|---|---|
| Inside the EU | Yes |
Yes |
| Outside the EU | Yes |
No |
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.
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.
The flight cancellation rights in EU 261 give you several 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. Alternatively, you can request a ticket reimbursement and a return flight to your original departure point, especially for connecting flights. Additional compensation depends on how much longer it takes to arrive at your destination and the distance of your journey.
Airlines frequently deny compensation claims or fail to recognize passenger rights. This is where TravelRefund can assist. We’ll guide you through the claims process, and if the airline refuses to compensate you, we’ll assess their reasons for refusal.
If the airline’s justification doesn’t meet EU 261 standards, we can take your case to court. We handle all communication with the airline throughout the process, and this is included in your package.