What if my flight is delayed by 12 hours?

Delayed Flights: Understanding Your Rights to Compensation

Delayed flights are a common inconvenience that travelers face, leading to frustration, missed connections, and wasted time. However, what many people don’t realize is that they may be entitled to compensation for these delays.

Compensation Thresholds

If your flight is delayed by a certain amount of time, you may be eligible for compensation from the airline. The threshold varies depending on the airline and the duration of the flight.

• Within the EU: For flights within the European Union, passengers are entitled to compensation if the delay is:

  • 2 hours or more for flights under 1,500 kilometers
  • 3 hours or more for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers
  • 4 hours or more for flights over 3,500 kilometers

• Outside the EU: Compensation thresholds vary greatly for flights outside the EU. Some airlines may offer compensation for delays as short as 30 minutes, while others may not compensate for delays at all.

Determining Airline Responsibility

The airline’s responsibility for the delay is an important factor in determining whether you are entitled to compensation. Delays caused by factors beyond the airline’s control, such as weather or security issues, are typically not compensable. However, delays caused by mechanical problems, staffing shortages, or other airline-related issues may be eligible for compensation.

Amounts of Compensation

The amount of compensation you receive for a delayed flight depends on the flight duration and the airline’s responsibility.

• EU Flights:
  • 125 euros for delays of 2 hours or more for flights under 1,500 kilometers
  • 250 euros for delays of 3 hours or more for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers
  • 400 euros for delays of 4 hours or more for flights over 3,500 kilometers
• US Flights: Compensation amounts for delayed flights in the US are typically determined by the airline, and vary widely.

Filing a Claim

To file a compensation claim for a delayed flight, you should:

• Contact the airline directly and provide details of the delay.
• Keep all documentation related to the flight, such as your boarding pass and flight details.
• Be prepared to provide evidence of the delay, such as a confirmation from the airline or a flight tracking website.

Airlines may have specific deadlines for filing claims, so it’s important to act promptly. If the airline denies your claim, you may be able to file a complaint with the relevant regulatory authority.

Remember, the specific compensation amounts and thresholds may vary depending on the airline and the country of origin. It’s always advisable to check with the airline or relevant authorities for the most accurate information.