How much reimbursement for flight delay?

Flight Delay Compensation: Understanding Your Entitlements

Experiencing significant flight delays can be frustrating and disrupt your travel plans. However, you should know that airlines may be liable to compensate you in certain circumstances.

Eligibility for Compensation

EU Regulation 261/2004 establishes the following conditions for flight delay compensation:

• The delay must be caused by the airline. This excludes exceptional circumstances such as weather or security threats.
• The delay must exceed 3 hours for short flights (up to 1,500 km), 4 hours for medium flights (1,500-3,500 km), or 5 hours for long flights (over 3,500 km).

Compensation Amounts

The compensation amount varies depending on the flight distance and the delay duration:

• Short flights (up to 1,500 km): 250 Euros for delays of 3-4 hours, 400 Euros for delays over 4 hours
• Medium flights (1,500-3,500 km): 400 Euros for delays of 3-4 hours, 600 Euros for delays over 4 hours
• Long flights (over 3,500 km): 600 Euros for delays of 3-4 hours, 800 Euros for delays over 4 hours

Additional Considerations

• Compensation is limited to £520 (600 Euros) per passenger.
• Airlines may provide alternative transportation or assistance during delays.
• You have up to six years to claim compensation.

How to Claim Compensation

To claim compensation, you should:

1. Contact the airline directly.
2. Submit a written claim, including details of your flight, the delay, and your request for compensation.
3. Provide supporting documentation, such as your boarding pass or flight confirmation.

If the airline denies your claim, you can escalate it to the relevant regulatory authority, such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK.

Conclusion

Significant flight delays can be inconvenient, but you may be entitled to compensation from the airline. By understanding your rights and following the proper procedures, you can seek redress for your inconvenience. Remember to check your eligibility and gather supporting documentation before submitting your claim.