Can I Claim for Flight Delay?
For flights that are flying from a European airport or with a European airline carrier, your rights are protected by EU law. Therefore, if you experience legitimate
issues that have caused a flight delay or cancellation, such as crew shortage or severe weather that caused the plane before to be late, you are entitled to claim for delayed flight.
What Happens to Flights Delayed for More Than Two Hours?
For flights delayed for two or more hours, your airline is obliged to offer you the following:
- Complimentary food and drink
- Access to email and phone calls
- Overnight accommodation and transport to and from the hotel – if required
- Vouchers to the above – you will have to ask for these, though.
If you use your own money, be sure to keep the receipts so that you can claim the money back. You can only claim for reasonable expenses though, so be sure to only put forward relevant receipts.
Who Can Make a Flight Claim?
Anyone, as long as they arrive at their final destination three or more hours after their scheduled arrival time, can make late flight claims. Claims can only be made for matters that do not fall
within ‘extraordinary circumstances,’ such as bad weather or strikes, so be sure you’re entitled by reading this following
guide on what qualifies as a legitimate flight claim.
How Much Can I Claim For Delayed Flight?
EU law sets the amounts you can claim, and so the amount you’re entitled to depends on the following factors:
- The distance of the flight
- The length of the delay
- If you were flying to an EU or non-EU destination
Flight Distance | Length Of Delay | Compensation Amount |
Up to 1,500km | 3 hours or more | €250 (£210) |
1,500km-3,500km | 3 hours or more | €400 (£340) |
Over 3,500km |
Between 2 EU Member States & 3 hours or more | €400 (£340) |
Over 3,500km | 3-4 hours | €300 (£255) |
Over 3,500km | More than 4 hours | €600 (£510) |