What if my flight is 4 hours late?
Delayed flights exceeding three hours often warrant compensation. Airlines are liable if the delay is due to their negligence, such as insufficient staffing or mechanical issues. Understand your rights and potential compensation.
Navigating Flight Delays: Know Your Rights and Seek Compensation
In today’s fast-paced world, flight delays can disrupt your travel plans and leave you feeling frustrated and inconvenienced. But what if your flight is delayed for an extended period of time? What are your rights as a passenger and what compensation might you be entitled to?
Understanding Your Rights
If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, you may be eligible for compensation under European Union (EU) regulations. These regulations apply to all flights departing from an EU airport or arriving at an EU airport on an EU-based carrier.
Causes of Delays
Flight delays can occur for various reasons, some of which may be beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or air traffic control restrictions. However, if the delay is due to the airline’s negligence, such as:
- Insufficient staffing
- Mechanical issues
- Poor scheduling
…then you may be entitled to compensation.
Compensation Entitlements
The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on the delay time and distance of the flight. For delays of:
- 3-4 hours: 250 euros (flights under 1,500 kilometers) or 400 euros (flights over 1,500 kilometers)
- 4-6 hours: 400 euros (flights under 1,500 kilometers) or 600 euros (flights over 1,500 kilometers)
- Over 6 hours: 600 euros (flights under 1,500 kilometers) or 800 euros (flights over 1,500 kilometers)
Filing a Claim
To file a claim for compensation, you should:
- Contact your airline directly
- Submit a written complaint within one month of the delayed flight
- Provide evidence of the delay, such as your boarding pass or flight confirmation
- State the reason for the delay, if known
- Request compensation sesuai with EU regulations
Additional Assistance
In addition to compensation, airlines are also required to provide assistance to delayed passengers, including:
- Meals and refreshments
- Hotel accommodations (if necessary)
- Transportation to and from the airport
Know Your Options
If your flight is delayed for an extended period of time, it’s important to understand your rights and seek compensation. By doing so, you can ensure that airlines are held accountable for their negligence and that you receive the support and compensation you deserve.