What am I entitled to if my flight is late?

Delayed Departures: Your Rights and Entitlements

Air travel can be a convenient mode of transportation, but flight delays can disrupt plans and cause inconvenience. Understanding your rights and entitlements in case of a flight delay is crucial for navigating these situations effectively.

Compensation Eligibility

When your flight is delayed, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the following factors:

• EU Flight Regulations: If your flight departs from an EU airport or arrives in an EU destination on an EU airline, you are covered by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. This regulation provides protection for passengers in the event of flight delays.
• Non-EU Flights: For flights outside the EU, compensation may be subject to the airline’s specific policies and procedures.

Determining Your Compensation

The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on several factors, including:

• Delay Duration: The longer the delay, the higher the potential compensation.
• Flight Distance: Short-haul flights (up to 1,500 km) have lower compensation amounts than medium-haul (1,500-3,500 km) and long-haul (over 3,500 km) flights.
• Airline’s Responsibility: If the delay is caused by an “extraordinary circumstance” (e.g., weather conditions, security incidents), the airline may not be liable for compensation.

Specific Compensation Tiers

Under EU Flight Regulations, compensation for flight delays is categorized into three tiers:

• 2-4 hours: Up to €250 for short-haul flights, €400 for medium-haul flights, and €600 for long-haul flights.
• 4-8 hours: Up to €400 for short-haul flights, €600 for medium-haul flights, and €900 for long-haul flights.
• Over 8 hours: Up to €520 for short-haul flights, €800 for medium-haul flights, and €1,200 for long-haul flights.

Steps to Claim Compensation

To claim compensation for a flight delay, follow these steps:

1. Document the Delay: Keep records of the original flight time, the actual departure time, and any notifications from the airline.
2. Contact the Airline: Reach out to the airline’s customer service department to file a compensation claim.
3. Provide Evidence: Submit documentation supporting your claim, such as your boarding pass and flight confirmation.
4. Be Patient: The compensation process can take time, so it’s important to be patient and follow up regularly.

Additional Support

If you encounter difficulties in claiming compensation, you can seek assistance from:

• National Enforcement Bodies: Designated organizations in each EU member state who enforce air passenger rights.
• Consumer Protection Agencies: Local consumer protection agencies can provide guidance and support with compensation claims.
• Online Claims Services: Third-party websites offer services to assist passengers with filing compensation claims.

Remember, ensuring your rights and entitlements in case of a flight delay requires knowledge of the relevant regulations, documentation, and persistence. By understanding your options, you can navigate these situations effectively and receive fair compensation for any inconvenience or disruption caused by flight delays.