Navigating Flight Hiccups: What You're Entitled To When Delays Strike
- Article by: Sarah Neu
- Reading Time: 3 Minutes
- Topics: Passenger Rights • Airline Policies • Airport Regulations
Flight Disruption: Your Right to Compensation or Schedule Adjustment - Passenger rights for flight disruptions: claim compensation
Ever found yourself stuck at the airport due to a delayed or cancelled flight? Here's a breakdown of what you're entitled to, often depending on the specific regulations and jurisdiction governing your flight. This guide primarily focuses on US and EU regulations, known for their comprehensive passenger protections.
Handling Delayed Flights
United States
Airlines typically don't have to compensate passengers for internal delays, but they must offer a seat on an alternative flight at no additional cost if the delay is substantial. If a domestic flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, you can ask for a rebooking or a full refund.
Compensation for delays is primarily governed by airline policies, except for flights originating from the EU/UK or involving EU/UK carriers flying to the US. In such instances, passengers may be entitled to reimbursement for direct incidental costs resulting from delays under the Montreal Convention.
After 3 hours of domestic tarmac delay or 4 hours internationally, passengers have the right to deplane. Refunds must be issued for cancellations or long delays upon request.
European Union (EU261 Regulation)
When flights arrive more than 3 hours late, passengers are entitled to compensation if the delay is the airline's fault, not due to extraordinary circumstances. Compensation varies based on flight distance:
- Up to €250 (~£220) for flights shorter than 1,500 km
- €400 (~£350) for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km within the EU, or over 1,500 km elsewhere
- €600 (~£520) for flights over 3,500 km outside the EU
Airlines must also offer assistance such as meals, refreshments, communication, and hotel accommodation during long delays.
Managing Cancelled Flights
United States
When a flight is cancelled, airlines must provide passengers with options such as rebooking on the next available flight or a full refund. If the cancellation was avoidable and under the airline's control, some airlines may offer additional compensation, but no federal mandate exists.
European Union (EU261 Regulation)
In the event of a flight cancellation, passengers must be offered a full refund or re-routing to the final destination at the earliest opportunity. Compensation is also provided, except if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances.
Additional Protections and Benefits
- If you're denied boarding due to overbooking in the US, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $1,550.
- Compensation of up to about $1,700 is available for damaged, delayed, or lost luggage under international conventions like the Montreal Convention.
- Refunds within 24 hours of ticket purchase are guaranteed without penalty under US regulations.
A Quick Look at Compensation for Flight Delays (EU261)
| Flight Distance | Compensation Amount ||-----------------------|-----------------------|| Less than 1,500 km | £220 || 1,500 to 3,500 km or within EU >1,500 km | £350 || Over 3,500 km outside the EU| £520 |
In a Nutshell
Passengers who suffer flight disruptions can expect rebooking or refunds, and may be eligible for financial compensation, especially under EU261 regulations. US passengers benefit heavily from cancellations and denied boarding protections, with delays' compensation largely relying on airline policies or international agreements like the Montreal Convention.
So, the next time your flight’s delayed or gets cancelled, you'll know exactly what steps to take to get the best possible outcome. Happy travels!
- Despite the Commission not yet adopting a decision on the application of this Regulation to certain aspects of lifestyle, it's worth noting that European Union (EU261 Regulation) still provides compensations for flight delays, depending on the flight distance.
- If the Commission decides to extend the Regulation to cover travel-related aspects, one might expect more comprehensive protections for passengers, not just in the EU but potentially in terms of their overall lifestyle when flying.
