Air passenger rights:

Passenger rights in case of flight delay
What to do if your flight was delayed?
When are you entitled to compensation for a flight delay?
When are you not entitled to compensation for a flight delay?
How to submit a compensation claim?
Amount of compensation claim

Compensation for delay

Compensation for Flight Delays under EU Regulation 261/2004 ✈️
The right to compensation for delayed flights is established by EU Regulation 261/2004. If your flight is delayed, it’s important to understand your rights and the conditions required to submit a compensation claim.

When Are You Entitled to Compensation for a Delay? ⏰

Passengers are entitled to compensation if the following conditions are met:

Responsibility: The airline is responsible for the delay, unless it was caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes, technical issues beyond the airline’s control).
Length of Delay: If your flight arrives more than 3 hours late at the final destination, you may be eligible for compensation.
Claim Deadline: Compensation must be claimed within one year from the date of the disrupted flight.

You may be entitled to compensation if:

✈️ The delay was caused by poor crew scheduling by the airline.
✈️ You were forced to wait due to technical issues with the aircraft.
✈️ A previous flight was delayed, causing your connecting flight to be late.
✈️ The delay was due to a strike by the airline’s own staff.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Delay? 💵

The compensation amount depends on the flight distance:

€250 – for flights up to 1,500 km
€400 – for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
€600 – for flights over 3,500 km

⚠️ The compensation may be reduced if the replacement flight arrives with only a short delay compared to the original schedule.

Flight Delay Upon Arrival

Arrival Delay	Flight Distance	Compensation Amount
Up to 2 hours 59 minutes	Any distance	€0
Over 3 hours	1,500 km or more	€250
Over 3 hours	1,500–3,500 km	€400
Between 3 and 4 hours	More than 3,500 km	€300
Over 4 hours	More than 3,500 km	€600

Extraordinary Circumstances in Case of Flight Delays 🌪️

Certain extraordinary circumstances may affect your right to compensation if your flight arrives late. These may include:

Natural disasters – such as severe storms, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions
Air traffic control restrictions or strikes by airline staff
Political issues – such as riots or wars
Unexpected technical problems, such as bird strikes that damage the aircraft engine

Delayed Flight Compensation in the EU 💶

If you flew with an EU airline (e.g. Tarom, Wizz Air, Ryanair) and arrived at your destination with a delay, you may be entitled to compensation. In addition to financial compensation, you may also claim:

Food and beverages
Accommodation if the delay extends overnight
Cash compensation if the delay exceeds 3 hours

If the delay exceeds 5 hours, you have the right to cancel your trip and request a free return to the point of departure. You may also request hotel accommodation from the airline.

If the delay caused unexpected expenses, such as a missed hotel booking, you may also claim those additional costs from the airline along with flight delay compensation.

Flight Delay Compensation in the USA 🇺🇸

Certain passenger rights also apply in the United States in case of delays:

Show your travel documents – a boarding pass or other relevant document is sufficient to file a claim
Request assistance – if delayed on the tarmac, you’re entitled to food, water, and access to the restroom. For delays over 2 hours (or 4 hours for international flights), you have the right to deplane unless extraordinary circumstances apply.

Airline Obligations in Case of Delays ✈️

Airlines have the following obligations during delays:

They must provide timely and accurate updates regarding the delay and its cause
They must provide assistance during long delays, including snacks, beverages, and accommodation if necessary
If the delay requires overnight stay, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport

EU Regulation 261 Compensation Rights for Holiday Packages 🌍

EU Regulation 261 also applies to package holidays, whether they include destinations within or outside the EU. The purchased package must clearly specify details about the flight route, destination, and means of transportation, as missing information can affect your eligibility for compensation.

Claim Flight Delay Compensation with FlightCompensator! 💼

With FlightCompensator, handling compensation claims is simple and risk-free – no commission if you don’t receive compensation. We handle your delay claim quickly and efficiently, so you can focus on more important things.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flight Delay Compensation 🤔

I missed my connecting flight due to a delay in my first flight. Am I entitled to compensation?
✅ Yes, if the total delay at your final destination exceeds 3 hours.

My flight was delayed. What should I do?
✅ Ask the airline representative for an explanation and record the time of the delay. Keep all relevant travel documents.

What documents are needed to claim compensation for a delay?
✅ You’ll need the flight number, departure and arrival airports, and at least one of the following: boarding pass, ticket, or online booking confirmation.