Flight Headaches? Know Your Rights and Entitlements
- Written by Sarah Neu
- ~3 Min Read
- Air Travel
- Passenger Rights
- Airlines
- Airports
Travel disruptions: Know your passenger rights for delays or cancellations - Passenger Rights: Compensation for Delayed or Cancelled Flights
Knowing your rights can be a game-changer when that dream vacation or essential business trip turns into a nightmare due to delayed or canceled flights. Your entitlements vary depending on factors like your flight's origin and destination, airline policies, and applicable regulations.
Delayed Flights: Your Recourse
- Up to 1,500 km: ~€220
- 1,500–3,500 km: ~€350
- Over 3,500 km: ~€520
European Union (EU):
Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), passengers are entitled to compensation for delays of more than 3 hours, assuming the airline is liable. The compensation amounts depend on the flight distance[5]:
US-based flights:
Unfortunately, there's no federal law mandating compensation for flight delays in the US. However, US airlines must offer rebooking or full refunds on domestic flights delayed more than 3 hours without additional cost[1][3]. Airlines might have their own delay policies, so double-check with yours. If your delay traces back to the EU or UK or involves an EU/UK airline operating a US-bound flight, you may claim compensation of up to $650 for over 3-hour delays upon arrival[1].
This regulation applies to flights departing from the EU or on EU carriers arriving in the EU.
International Flights:
The Montreal Convention allows passengers to seek reimbursement for incidental costs caused by delays, such as meals or accommodations, up to roughly $7,000, depending on the details of the case[3].
Canceled Flights: Your Options
EU and UK flights:
Passengers may claim compensation for canceled flights if the airline is at fault and there's inadequate notice or no suitable re-routing options. The compensation scale is comparable to that for delays under EU261[3][5].
US-based flights:
If your flight is canceled, US airlines must provide rebooking or refunds, especially if the cancellation could have been avoided by the carrier[1]. Airlines should also offer timely communication and assistance per their policies and DOT guidelines[3].
Additional Benefits and Services
Luggage Protections:
Passengers are entitled to compensation for damaged, delayed, or lost luggage on domestic and international flights. The Montreal Convention covers international flights up to approximately $1,700 per passenger[3].
24-Hour Cancellation Rule:
US passengers may cancel tickets within 24 hours of purchase without incurring penalties[3].
Tarmac Delays:
US regulations require airlines to allow passengers to deplane after 3 hours for domestic flights or 4 hours for international flights, if delayed on the tarmac[3].
Denied Boarding:
In the US, passengers denied boarding due to overbooking may be entitled to compensation of up to $1,550[3].
Rebooking and Refunds:
Airlines should provide complimentary rebooking or full refunds for flight disruptions as per regulations[1][3].
In a Nutshell
When faced with flight disruptions, you should:
- Ask for a complimentary rebooking or refund for significant delays (generally over 3 hours) or cancellations.
- Pursue compensation if you're in the EU, or on EU/UK carriers to the US, for over 3-hour delays that the airline is responsible for.
- Assess possible compensation under the Montreal Convention for international flights.
- Remember that US domestic law doesn't provide direct compensation for delays unless stipulated by the airline's policies.
Each airline may have unique policies; however, these regulations set a standard for services and compensation that passengers can anticipate when flights are disrupted[1][3][5].
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of these regulations in the context of a traveler's lifestyle choices, such as dietary restrictions or pre-boarding routines. When considering a lifestyle-focused travel itinerary, it's crucial to research airline policies and applicable regulations to ensure a smooth and comfortable flight experience.
