Can I make a claim?
If you are flying from a European airport or with a European airline carrier, your rights are protected under EU law if your flight becomes delayed or is cancelled entirely, and as such, you may be eligible for EU flight delay compensation.
What happens if your flight is delayed for more than two hours?
If your flight is delayed by more than two hours, your airline is obligated to provide you with the following:
- Food and drink appropriate to the length of the delay.
- Access to email and phone calls.
- Overnight accommodation in a hotel and transportation to and from the airport if required.
- Vouchers to pay for the above items may be provided by airline staff but be prepared to have to ask for them!
If you spend any of your own money on necessities, always keep the receipts so that you can claim the money back from the airline later. Be aware though that you are only likely to be reimbursed for ‘reasonable expenses,’ and this does not include duty-free!
Who can claim flight delay compensation?
You’re entitled to make a claim if you arrive at your final destination three or more hours after the scheduled time.
However, the delay must have been the airlines responsibility, and no compensation will be available if the delay was due to bad weather or a strike, so keep this in mind before making a claim.
How much can I claim?
The amounts you can claim is fixed by EU law. How much you might receive from your flight delay refund depends on the following factors:s
- 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) |