When am I entitled to compensation for flight delays?

For flight delays of more than 3 hours, you are entitled to compensation of €250 to €600, provided the flight departs from the EU or arrives at an European airline. This right does not apply if the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather or strikes. Millions of travelers are entitled to compensation each year, but not everyone is aware of this.

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The short answer

You are entitled to compensation for flight delays of 3 hours or more, provided your flight falls under European legislation. This means your flight must depart from an EU country, or arrive in the EU with a European airline. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance: €250 for short distances, €400 for medium distances and €600 for long distances. The airline must prove that the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances in order to refuse compensation.

What does the law say?

European Regulation 261/2004 regulates the rights of airline passengers in the event of delays, cancellations and denied boarding. This law applies to all flights departing from the EU, as well as flights of European airlines arriving in the EU. Airlines are required to inform passengers about their rights and pay compensation within 7 days. For long waiting times, airlines must also provide meals, refreshments and, if necessary, accommodation.

1EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to all EU flights

2Compensation obligation from 3 hours delay upon arrival

3Airlines must actively inform passengers of their rights

4Payment must be made within 7 days of the claim

What should you watch out for?

Pay close attention to the difference between departure time and arrival time - the 3 hours is calculated based on your final arrival. Always keep your boarding passes and document the delay with photos of information screens. Airlines often try to refuse compensation by citing extraordinary circumstances, but not all situations qualify. Technical problems with the aircraft, for example, are not a valid reason to refuse compensation.

1Delay is measured based on arrival time, not departure time

2Keep all travel documents and take photos of delay information

3Not all 'circumstances' claimed by airlines are valid

4Claim within the legal time limit of 3-6 years depending on your country

Example from practice

Suppose you fly with KLM from Amsterdam to Barcelona and your flight is delayed by 4 hours due to a technical issue with the aircraft. Since this flight is less than 1500 km and departs from the EU, you are entitled to €250 compensation. KLM claims that the technical problem was a force majeure event, but this is incorrect - technical issues fall under the airline's responsibility. You file a claim and after a few weeks, KLM pays the full €250. In addition, you received free meals and refreshments during the waiting time.

What can you do?

Start by gathering all supporting documents and then submit a claim to the airline.

1Collect all documents: boarding passes, booking confirmation and proof of delay

2Submit a written claim to the airline within the legal time limit

3If refused, you can turn to the national enforcement body or court

Conclusion

Your right to compensation for flight delays is legally enshrined and well protected. Airlines are required to pay unless they can prove that extraordinary circumstances were the cause. Don't let them fob you off and always claim your rightful compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the right to compensation also apply to flights outside Europe?

What are extraordinary circumstances in which no compensation is due?

How long do I have to file a claim for compensation?

Do I also get compensation if I had a cheap ticket?

What if the airline goes bankrupt before I receive my compensation?

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