How much compensation for a delayed flight per person?

Compensation for Flight Delays: Understanding Your Rights

Air travel is a convenient and efficient way to reach destinations, but it can also be frustrating when flights are delayed. While minor delays are often inevitable, significant delays can cause major inconvenience and disruption. If your flight is delayed due to the airline’s fault, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation.

Delays and Compensation Threshold

According to regulations, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed by three hours or more due to the airline’s error. This compensation is known as Flight Delay Compensation (FDC) and is based on the distance of the flight.

Compensation Amounts

Compensation amounts for delays per person can vary depending on the airline and the specific circumstances. However, the maximum compensation under European Union (EU) regulations is:

• £260 for flights within the EU under 1,500 kilometers
• £400 for flights within the EU between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers
• £520 for flights within the EU over 3,500 kilometers or flights outside the EU over 3,500 kilometers but less than 6,000 kilometers

Exceptions and Exclusions

It’s important to note that there are certain circumstances where airlines may not be liable for compensation. These include:

• Delays caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as severe weather or security alerts
• Delays caused by technical issues that could not have been reasonably foreseen
• Delays caused by the passenger’s own actions or negligence

How to Claim Compensation

If you have experienced a significant flight delay, you should contact the airline as soon as possible to file a claim. The airline should provide you with a form or instructions on how to proceed.

You will typically need to provide evidence of your flight delay, such as your boarding pass and any documentation from the airline. It’s advisable to keep all relevant documents for future reference.

Conclusion

Flight delays can be frustrating, but it’s important to know your rights as a passenger. If your flight is delayed by three hours or more due to the airline’s error, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. By understanding the compensation thresholds, exceptions, and claiming process, you can ensure that you receive fair recompense for the inconvenience caused by your delayed flight.