Eligibility for compensation under EC261/2004
Before we understand how much compensation you can claim, let's first establish when you are eligible to do so. Under EC261/2004, you are entitled to compensation in the following situations:
Flight delay
If your flight arrives at your destination more than three hours late and the airline is to blame. The delay is calculated based on the arrival time, i.e. when the aircraft doors open, not when it lands.
Flight cancellation
If your flight is cancelled without at least 14 days' notice before the departure date and the airline cannot offer a reasonable alternative or the alternative results in a significant delay.
Denied boarding
If you are denied boarding against your will due to overbooking and you do not voluntarily give up your seat on the plane and thus lose it.
Missed connecting flight
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay on one of your previous flights and arrive at your destination more than three hours late.
Important to note
These rights apply to all flights departing from EU airports. For flights to the EU, these rights only apply if the air carrier is an EU carrier.
In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, you can file a claim for compensation for flights that are 6 years old.
The airline may not be obliged to pay compensation, such as extreme weather conditions, airport strikes, security risks or political instability.
However, the deadline may vary depending on the country in which the airline is based.
Compensatory amounts under EC261/2004
The amounts of compensation are defined by EC261/2004 and vary according to the distance flown and the length of the delay on arrival.
Here is a simplified model to help you understand the compensation you are entitled to:
Assistance and support under EC261/2004
Meals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time.
Hotel accommodation and transport to the hotel (if a stay of one or more nights is required).
Two free phone calls, emails or faxes.
Reimbursement and a return flight to the first point of departure if the delay exceeds five hours.
Your rights in extraordinary circumstances
"Extraordinary circumstances" are exceptions where the airline does not have to pay compensation, but "right to care" obligations remain.
Hotel accommodation and transport to the hotel (if a stay of one or more nights is required).
Even if your flight is delayed due to bad weather or a strike, you are entitled to meals, refreshments and possibly accommodation, depending on the length of the delay.
Reimbursement and a return flight to the first point of departure if the delay exceeds five hours.
We are dedicated to helping passengers understand their rights and claim the compensation they are entitled to.
We navigate the complex process, deal with airlines and make sure your rights are respected in accordance with EU Regulation EC261/2004.
