How much can a flight be delayed without compensation?

Flight Delay Compensation Rights: Understanding Entitlements

When faced with a flight delay, passengers often wonder when they are eligible for compensation. Understanding the compensation regulations set forth by airlines is crucial in such situations.

Compensation Threshold

According to regulations, airlines are obligated to provide compensation if a flight is delayed by three hours or more. However, this obligation is contingent upon two key conditions:

• Operational Control: The delay must be attributable to factors within the airline’s operational control, such as technical issues with the aircraft, crew shortages, or airport operational limitations.
• Safety Concerns: The delay should not stem from unforeseen safety concerns that necessitate the grounding of the aircraft or rerouting to ensure passenger well-being.

Protected Disruptions

The compensation regulations are designed to protect passengers against lengthy and avoidable flight disruptions. Delays caused by inclement weather, air traffic control issues, or security breaches, which fall outside the airline’s operational control, typically do not trigger compensation.

Eligible Passengers

Passengers who have purchased a valid ticket and are affected by a qualifying delay of three hours or more are eligible for compensation. This includes passengers with connecting flights that are subsequently delayed due to the initial disruption.

Compensation Amount

The amount of compensation varies depending on the duration of the delay and the distance of the flight. For flights within the European Union (EU), the compensation amounts are as follows:

• Delay of 3-4 hours: €250 (for flights up to 1,500 kilometers) or €400 (for flights over 1,500 kilometers)
• Delay of 5-6 hours: €400 (for flights up to 1,500 kilometers) or €600 (for flights over 1,500 kilometers)
• Delay of more than 6 hours: €600 (for flights up to 1,500 kilometers) or €800 (for flights over 1,500 kilometers)

How to Claim Compensation

To claim compensation, passengers are advised to contact the airline directly. They should provide documentation supporting the delay, such as their boarding pass and flight confirmation. Airlines typically have a dedicated compensation claims process that outlines the steps involved.

Understanding the compensation regulations for flight delays empowers passengers to navigate these situations effectively and seek fair treatment from airlines.