Flight Delays & Cancellations: Know Your Rights (No BS Guide)
Flight disruption: This is what you're entitled to under air travel regulations - Flight disruptions: Passenger compensation rights
By Sarah Neu- 3 min read- Passenger Rights- Flight Delays- Airline Compensation- Airport Protocol
What About Delayed or Cancelled Flights in Europe?
Living in the EU? Here's the lowdown on your flight rights:
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers have specific rights when it comes to delayed or cancelled flights. However, there have been recent adjustments:
Delay Compensation
- Short-Haul: For delays exceeding 4 hours, you're looking at €300 compensation[1][4].
- Long-Haul: Over 3,500 km journeys with delays over 6 hours = €500[1][5].
Cancellation Compensation
- Flights < 1,500 km: €250[2].
- Flights 1,500 km - 3,500 km: €400[2].
- Flights > 3,500 km: €600[2].
Services Provided
Apart from compensation, airlines are obliged to offer these services based on the delay duration:- Right to Care: Food, drink, phone calls/emails/faxes for delays over 2/3/4 hours for short/medium/long-haul flights.- Right to Compensation: Those amounts we just mentioned.- Right to Reimbursement/Rerouting: Choose between getting your money back or a new ticket.
Digging Deeper: Awareness, Claims & Legal Support
While these rights are in place, they may not be universally known. Airlines aren't always transparent about your rights, so seeking help from claims agencies might be necessary[1][2]. Navigating the compensation process can be complicated, but apps like "Your Passenger Rights" or claims agencies could be your best friend[3][2].
Remember, these rights depend on the specifics of your flight, so be sure to check the regulations before you take off!
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of this Regulation for travelers' lifestyles, as they might not be universally knew, especially when encountering delayed or cancelled flights in Europe. Seeking help from claims agencies might be necessary to ensure the right to compensation, reimbursement, or rerouting, as outlined by EU Regulation 261/2004.
