Navigating Delays and Cancellations: Your Flight Rights Explained
Flight disruption: Your passenger rights and compensation - Flight disruption compensation: you're eligible for this under certain circumstances
By Sarah Neu- 3 Min Read- Travel- Airline- Airport
Know your rights when the skies get rough! This guide takes a look at what you're entitled to when flights get delayed or cancelled under European Union regulations.
EU Flight Rights Breakdown
Whether you're waiting on the tarmac or cooling your heels in an airport lounge, here's what you're owed when the travel gods have other plans.
Care During Delays (2+ hours) 🛏️
If your flight is more than two hours late, airlines must provide you with essentials such as meals and refreshments, and access to communication facilities. In case of extended delays requiring an overnight stay, accommodations and transportation to the hotel are also on the house.
Compensation for Delays (3+ hours) 💰
Depending on your flight's duration and the delay's cause, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For flights up to 1,500 km, the compensation can reach €250; for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and non-EU flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km, up to €400 can be claimed; and for flights over 3,500 km, you might receive up to €600.
keen-to-travel tip: With upcoming changes, the EU plans to raise the delay threshold for compensation to 4 hours for short-haul flights and 6 hours for long-haul flights, along with adjusted payout amounts.
Refunds and Re-routing (5+ hours or cancellations) ✈️
If your flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, and you don't wanna stick around, you can say goodbye and claim a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket. Plus, if necessary, a return flight to your original departure point will be covered. The refund process should wrap up within a week.
Cancellation Rights 🔓
Passengers may cancel their bookings due to lengthy delays and be refunded, with additional assistance to return to their original departure point.
Communication is Key 🗣️
Airlines should inform passengers of their rights. However, they often fail to do this proactively. Airlines are responsible for providing care and compensation when delays or cancellations are within their control, excluding extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or strikes.
Airport and Related Travel Services 🛫
Airports help manage passenger care, providing access to communication and amenities during prolonged delays. Airlines are required to coordinate with airport services to ensure passengers receive necessary assistance during delays or cancellations.
Happy (on-time) travels! 👍🛫🍾🏠
If your flight under the European Union regulations experiences a delay of 5 hours or more, not only do you have the option to claim a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket but you is also entitled to a return flight to your original departure point. Additionally, if you are left waiting for more than 2 hours due to a flight delay, airlines must provide you with essentials such as meals, refreshments, and access to communication facilities, with accommodations and transportation to the hotel for extended delays needing an overnight stay.
