Table of contents
- Your Flight Is Delayed for 2 Hours
- Your Flight Is Delayed for 3 Hours and More
- Your Flight Is Delayed for 5 Hours and More
- Your Flight Is Cancelled
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you can check the eligibility of possible compensation. There is a wide range of circumstances when you can write a claim and get a refund. You can do this easily with AirHelp using a free flight delay compensation calculator. This company provides information about compensation for flight delays according to details about your flight. Dealing with this company is as easy as to drink a glass of water.
There are a few legislations about passengers’ rights, in case if you are a client of airline:
- EC 261/2004 regulation
- US laws
- Montreal convention
The EC 261/2004 guarantees that the airlines are financially accountable when they are guilty of the flight delay.
Those who are guilty should pay the money back. You need to know about your rights as a passenger, the ultimate destination and flight scenario. After writing the claim, you will get a notice about your possible delay compensation. Sometimes it can reach 600 Euro per flight for one person. The payment depends on the duration of your delay and the length of your trip.
There are not many cases when you can’t get the refund. They are:
- security risks
- inclement weather
- political unrest
- strikes initiated by airport employees or air traffic control
These situations are not under the control of the airline companies. If they cannot control the life circumstances, they will not pay.
Check your delayed flight compensation
Your Flight Is Delayed for 2 Hours
First of all, you have some fundamental rights. The airline company should provide:
- free food and drinks according to the delay
- two free calls, faxes or emails
- free hotel booking
- hotel transfers if you need to stay overnight
One thing you should keep in mind is that the airline will not return you money for extra expend such as alcohol or luxury hotels. Remember that and stay humble.
If you have a flight delay between 2 hours and 2 hours 59 minutes you cannot get a flight delay 2 hours compensation if you traveled as well as you can not get a fare refund if you didn’t fly. One more thing you should know is the time of suspension is not that time you wait in the airport, but this is the time your plane is late at your destination.
However, you can probably get some costs for the flight delay.
Your Flight Is Delayed for 3 Hours and More
What could be worse than 2 hours flight delay? The 3 hours flight delay, of course. In such case, you can write the claim for compensation too. The costs you can get depend on the time of the suspension as well as on the length of your flight.
- If the distance is under 1500 km, for example, from London to Paris, the refund costs are 250 Euro
- If your flight length is between 1500 km and 3500 km, you can get a 400 Euro compensation. This rule works for all flights
- For flights delay within the EU only with the distance 3500 km and more you can get up to 600 Euro
Moreover, the airline should provide accommodation and transfers if needed, meals and refreshments, calls, faxes or emails for free. You can not get the refund if only the flight delay is because of the extraordinary circumstances.
Use AirHelp service to deal with airlines according to air passengers’ rights.
Your Flight Is Delayed for 5 Hours and More
This is almost the worst situation. If the flight delay is not because of extraordinary circumstances, the airline company should provide all the possibilities according to the passengers’ rights.
You can choose between being rerouted on another flight or get a refund. However, you can write a claim for compensation because of a flight delay. If you have flights with connections, there is particular time calculating for them. If the first leg is late for 2 hours and you miss the next plane and after that come to your destination with a delay of more than 3 hours you should get compensation.
For such long delays, there is one rule about distance. The flight length should be 3 500 km and more. It does not matter if you travel within the EU or not. The possible compensation if you went can be 600 Euro per traveler. If you move with your family, for example, the husband or wife and two children, you should get compensations for four persons. This rule does not work if you travel free of charge. The payment is calculated in Euro, so the real refund you get depends on your currency.
Check your delayed flight compensation
Your Flight Is Cancelled
These rules work regardless of how long before the flight you were informed about cancelling. It does not matter what the reason for cancellation is. These guarantees are for EU airline or if you are departed from EU airport. If you deal with any other airlines or are withdrawn at any other airport worldwide, you still should get the compensation, but this depends on other laws.
The problem of cancelled flight you can solve in two ways. The first is to get the refund for the plane which was withdrawn. The second way is to get an alternative flight to your destination. The airline called that ‘rerouting.’
You can get a flight cancellation compensation if the airline cancels the flight within two weeks of departure. Moreover, you can claim an additional compensation between 125 and 600 Euro depending on the arrival time of the rerouted flight. Even if you get a refund for your ticket, you still can claim for compensation.
For trip cancelled 7–14 days before departure, you can get a compensation between 125 and 600 Euro depending on time and length.
- If the flight was cancelled less than 7 days before departure you still could get a refund from 125 Euro if the flight length is up to 1 500 km, and the plane is late 2 hours
- and more to 600 Euro if the flight length is 3 500 km and more and the plane is delayed for 4 hours and more.
If Not Allowed to Board the Flight — Get Compensation
Traveling requires preparation and you have to know everything beforehand. It is not a secret that airlines usually sell more seats than there are available on the flight due to the fact that as a rule, 12% of passengers do not show up. Companies practice overbooking in order to get profit and be able to maintain their business.
But there are situations when all passengers arrive on time and airlines have to ask some passengers to wait for the next flight. First, they will look for the volunteers. If no one is willing to miss the flight, they’re obliged to choose someone themselves. Usually, these are people who have bought the cheapest seats or were the last ones to check-in. It’s not a pleasant experience as you might be the one to get to your final destination later than you have planned. But don’t worry, every cloud has a silver lining.
People who were denied in boarding are entitled to compensation as per EU 261 Regulation, the law that protects the rights of the passengers. According to this regulation, passengers who were forced to miss the flight can get a refund for their tickets or get new ones for the next flight. Apart from this, you are entitled to get meals if you have to wait long for the next flight or get accommodation if the nearest flight departs the next day.
In addition to the rerouting, food, and accommodation, every passenger who was denied in boarding, due to overbooking, is entitled to receive compensation in the form of money. The amount depends on the length of the flight and waiting hours. If your flight was held for more than 2 hours, you can get:
- €250 for flights up to 1500 km;
- €400 for flights between 1500 and 3500 km;
- €600 for flights over 3500km.
In case your flight was delayed for less than 2 hours, you can get 125€ for short flights up to 1500 km.
What If My Departure Wasn’t from the EU Country?
The EU has issued the law that protects the interests of travelers who were banned from boarding, their flight was canceled or held for more than 3 hours. The regulation states situations when travelers are entitled to reimbursement for the inconveniences. But the sad thing is that this regulation is applicable only to the EU air carriers or if the departure that took place from one of the EU airports or to the EU airport. Unfortunately, this regulation is not applicable to international flights.
Still, there are some ways to get compensation for held or canceled flights, or if you were rejected in boarding because of overbooking. Here is what you can do.
Contact the Airline Customer Support Team
Every air service cares for its reputation, so in most cases, they will have some bonuses for passengers whose departure was delayed/canceled or in case they were obliged to take off the plane due to overbooking. You can checkup their website and search for the coverage rules or you can reach the customer support group via phone/online chat and find out the info you need.
In case the air carrier has no schemes for extra bonuses, customers can review the country’s laws and see whether their rights are protected by the government of the country where the airline is based. Apart from this, look for agencies that can help and advice on your situation.
Examine the Montreal Convention
If your trip by plane is not covered by the EU rules, you can also use the Montreal Convention to protect your interests. Please note that this agreement mostly covers claims for the missing baggage, but it can also be used for the postponed flights.
The Montreal Convention was signed by more than 100 countries. So, if your flight departed from one of them, you’re entitled to bonuses from the airline for postponing your departure. Every delay causes certain fund losses, as you have to pay for the meals, hotel, transfer, etc. Please keep all the bills in order to show evidence and be able to claim the refund of your losses from the air carrier. Customers should contact the airline directly and state that they want to reclaim funds under the Montreal Convention.
Learn the Terms of Your Insurance Policy
Travelers should always have insurance when going abroad. You never know what kind of situations you might face, so it’s better to have a back-up plan just in case.
The travel insurance policy might cover departure delays and compensate a particular some of the money. Some insurance companies offer to refund costs for the supplementary expenses you had to make. For instance, they can pay back the extra costs you’ve spent on the hotel or transfer. Check out the travel policy or contact the representative of your insurance company to get the detailed information.
In any case, even if your flight is not regulated by the EU 261 Regulation, you can find some ways to get a refund for the inconveniences caused by the air carrier.
Missed Your Connection? — Get Compensated
Had no time to get on the plane within the connection time? Have no idea what to do? Here’s a piece of useful information.
If your first departure has been postponed because of the airline and you have failed to get on the succeeding flight to the ultimate destination point, you’re entitled to benefits from the air carrier. It is an unpleasant experience as you might lose time waiting long hours for the closest flight or spend extra money on new tickets, accommodation, meals, etc. That’s why the EU has taken care of passengers’ rights and issued the regulation for the EU air carriers to follow.
If you have missed your next flight, find the airline representatives at the airport, so they can rebook the tickets for you straight away. If there are no suitable options, you can claim a full refund of your ticket.
Apart from rerouting your journey, you’re entitled to meals, refreshments, and a phone call if the nearest flight is over 2 hours. In case you have to spend the night, the air carrier should find you the place to stay the night and provide transfer to the hotel and drive you back to the airport.
Additionally, if the flight is under the EU authority, you’re enabled to receive extra money bonus (along with rerouting). The amount depends on the flight length and a delay time:
- for short flights up to 1500km and more than two-hour delay, you’re entitled to get €250 (for less than a 2-hour delay — €125);
- for medium-length flights between 1500 and 3500km with more than three-hour delay, you get — €400 (less than a 3-hour delay — €200);
- for long-distance flights over 3500km and over four-hour delay, you get €600 (less than a 4-hour delay €300).
Note that if you were not provided with the ticket replacement, you have the right to claim a full reimbursement amount in any case.
In case the flight was canceled due to extraordinary circumstances that include bad weather states, air traffic control restrictions, political strikes, or airport strikes, you cannot apply for a refund. It means that passengers can get bonuses when the departure was put off by the airline itself (air carrier staff strike, technical issues, etc.).
Also, you have to know that you’re not qualified for a bonus in case you travel on two different tickets for each flight. It means that the whole responsibility to catch the following flight lies on your shoulders, not the air carrier, even though the late departure was their bad. The EU 261 Restriction is applicable only when a single ticket covers the whole journey.
Business Trip Disruption: Do You Get a Compensation?
Sometimes it happens that you cannot meet with the important business client/partner because your departure from the airport was delayed or even canceled. As a result, your business trip has been ruined. Luckily, passengers, who find themselves in situations like this one, are enabled to receive compensation from the airline carrier under the EU Regulation 261.
This is good news, but the question is “Who has the right for compensation: a traveler or his/her employer who has paid for the tickets?”. Here’s the info you will like:
- even though the tickets were bought by the company you work for, you’re the one who gets bonuses for the inconveniences.
It follows that if your departure has been delayed or canceled, or you were not allowed to board because of overbooking, you should make a compensation claim. The employers (companies) do not fall under this regulation, only passengers who were flying.
Note: if the flight was canceled and you decide to cancel the whole trip along with business meetings, the refund can be claimed by the company. In case you want to reroute the trip, you get new tickets and still have the right to get a bonus from the airline.
All the expenses (reasonable ones, it doesn’t mean that you can book 5-star hotels or eat at the Michelin restaurants) that occur because of the flight disruption caused by the air carrier, are covered by the airline. Remember to keep all the bills and checks to be able to claim a refund.
Also, please bear in mind that only the flights that fall under the EU regulation are classified for the bonus for inconveniences. These are the flights that:
- are provided by the EU air carrier;
- take off from the EU airport with the destination outside the EU territory and vise verse;
- take place within the EU territory.
In case of departure disruptions like flight postponing, cancelation or denial in boarding because of overbooking, you have the right for the following bonuses:
- €250 for the short flights (less than 1500km but over 2-hour delay);
- €400 for medium flights (between 1500 and 3500km and over 3-hour delay);
- €600 for long flights (over 3500km and 4-hour delay).
So, even if your business trip was covered by the company, you still have the same rights as all other passengers. In order to get more information, you should contact the airline representatives (whose office can be found at the airport) or visit their website and leave your claim for compensation.
The Fight was Disrupted: Do Your Baby and You Get Compensated?
According to the EU regulation of travelers’ rights, you are empowered to claim a reimbursement in the amount from €250 to €600 (that is based on the length of the flight and delay time). But what happens in case you’re flying with an infant?
Usually, infants can travel with their parents without charge or in some cases you have to pay a low administrative charge. The thing is that your baby doesn’t need an extra seat during the flight.
Although the EU 261 Regulation doesn’t have a separate article about infants, it has Article 3 (3) which states that travelers who fly chargeless or on reduced fares are not enabled to compensation. It follows that your baby won’t get bonuses in the form of money. But in case of a long delay, the air carrier should supply you and your infant with sufficient refreshments and meals.
If you have purchased a separate seat for your infant as you have to bring a baby seat with you for the full price, then you are allowed to claim the bonus for two tickets. It means that each case will be viewed individually and both of you get benefits from the airline.
The bonus amount depends on the length of the flight as well as delay hours. For instance, your baby and you can get:
- €250 for flights up to 1500km (when the delay was over two hours);
- €400 for flights that are between 1500 and 3500km (when the delay is over three hours);
- €600 for flights that are over 3500km (when the delay is over four hours).
Also, remember to keep all the checks for the crucial expenses that occurred during the disrupted flight, both for you and your baby. Later you can claim a full refund from the airline by submitting your inquiry.
All in all, if your baby is traveling free of cost, you cannot make a claim, in case you have bought the ticket for your infant for the full price, you are authorized for bonuses.
Bad Weather: Do You Get Compensation for Disrupted Flight?
Weather is among the things humans cannot control and sometimes we might experience unpredictable and extraordinary situations. It is especially frustrating when these situations occur during our flight, causing delays or cancelations.
Some weather conditions cannot be predicted, they are defined by the EU 261 Regulation as “meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned”. But the thing is that not all “bad weather” can be considered an extraordinary situation. Know it in order not to be deceived by the airline you are using. For instance, snow in Norway or Sweden is not an extraordinary situation while snow in Egypt is.
Forecasts were invented in order to warn people about weather conditions. So, if the airline didn’t take all the possible measures to warn its passengers on time about the flight delay/cancelation, then it’s likely that you get compensation. But if the extraordinary circumstances occurred suddenly and all the flights were canceled/delayed by the Air Traffic Control center of the airport, then you are not authorized for the reimbursement by the airline.
Another example is a low temperature. Is it reasonable to cancel/delay the flight because of the low temperature? Low temperatures do not happen suddenly and in most cases, airlines have enough time to de-ice their planes to be able to perform the flight on time. If these measures were not taken, then you can contact the air carrier representatives and claim a refund which depends on the distance of the flight and length of the delay:
- €250 for flights up to 1500 km (if the flight is held for over two hours);
- €400 for flights between 1500 and 3500 km (if the flight is held for over three hours);
- €600 for flights over 3500km (if the flight is held for over four hours).
Please remember: if all flights are canceled according to the ATC order then there’s no reason for you to get extra bonuses.
Delayed/Canceled Flight Because of Strike: Compensation Rules
The EU 261 Regulation covers all possible flight disruption scenarios thus protecting the rights of the travelers. Strikes are also reviewed in this document. Here is the information you should know just in case in order to be prepared for any kind of situation.
The first thing to remember is that strikes can be caused by the airline staff or by the airport. Apart from this, political strikes can also occur. Which ones can be considered as “extraordinary” situations and which ones do not fall under this description? Let’s discuss this question as there might be some issues passengers face when it comes to a refund claim. It’s useful to know all the subtleties and be able to prove your rights.
According to the regulation, strikes held by the airport and political strikes are considered as unpredictable and extraordinary situations. Travelers should remember that in these cases there is no chance for them to receive bonuses from the airline in the form of money. The key statement is:
- strikes caused by the third party (airport, government, etc.) do not fall under compensation rules.
In case of air carrier personnel strike (pilots, flight attendants, etc.), travelers can apply for the extra bonuses that can vary from €250 to €600, depending on the duration of the flight and hours of delay, for instance:
- get €250 for short-distance flights up to 1500km and over two-hour delay;
- get €400 for flights between 1500–3500km and over three-hour delay;
- get €600 for long-distance flights over 3500km and over four-hour delay.
Once your flight has been disrupted by the airline staff strike, then you are enabled to get compensation for the inconveniences (most likely after strike). Keep all the boarding passes in order to submit the necessary information. Contact airline representatives to get more information on the refund process.
Conclusions & FAQ
We hope you have all the information you need in this article. However, if some terms are unclear, you can find answers to frequently asked questions here.
- Can I get compensated for a delayed flight?
However, if your first flight is delayed more than 3 hours, you may be entitled tocompensation from the airline that caused the delay. In addition to compensation, the airline must offer you a choice between: Reimbursement of your ticket and a return flight to your departure airport if you have a connecting flight.
- How long does a flight delay have to be to get compensation?
Claim compensation. You’re legally entitled to get compensation if the delay is the airline’s responsibility and either: the replacement flight delays your arrival by 2 or more hours. your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
- Do airlines have to pay you for delays?
According to the DOT, airlines are not required to provide money or other compensation when flights get delayed, regardless of how late they are. However, when a “significant delay” takes place, passengers may receive refunds for seat selection fees or checked baggage fees.
- How long is flight delay compensation?
Well, our average is about 4 weeks, but some airlines pay very quickly. Others just refuse to pay point blank, so those delay claims can take longer. If we have to issue legal proceedings then it can potentially take up to 3 or 4 months.
- How long after a flight delay can you claim compensation?
Flight delay & cancellation compensation calculator. If your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late each affected passenger is entitled to claim compensation. The distance of your flight, length, and the reason for the delay will affect how much compensation you can claim.
- How do I claim compensation for delayed flight in India?
According to the revised rule if your flight was cancelled or delayed for more than 2 hours, airlines have to pay compensation of up to Rs. 10,000. While, if you were denied to board your flight due to overbooking you may claim compensation up to Rs. 20,000.
- How long can a flight be delayed before Cancelling?
When a flight is significantly delayed (defined by most airlines as being more than two hours late), carriers will often let you fly standby on another flight, or may even rebook you into a confirmed seat departing within 24 hours of your original flight.
- Does travel insurance cover delayed flights?
Travel insurance and flight delays. In addition to your airline being obligated to look after you, most travel insurance policies provide cover for travel delay, which becomes applicable if your flight is delayed by more than 12 hours due to strike, adverse weather or mechanical breakdown.
- Do airlines have to compensate for Cancelled flights?
However, if a flight is cancelled due to events within the airline’s control (e.g.,required maintenance, lack of flight crew), travelers may be entitled to compensation. If your ticket is for business or first class and space is not available, an airline will often rebook you in coach class and offer a partial refund.
- Does American Airlines compensate for delays?
As a way to say “thanks for sticking with us”, airlines often offer goodwillcompensation in the event your flight is cancelled or delayed. Generally speaking, if your flight was delayed or cancelled due to extreme weather or a mandate from Air Traffic Control (ATC) — American won’t offer any goodwill compensation.
- Are children entitled to flight delay compensation?
Children have the same right to flight delay compensation as adults: All passengers are eligible to claim the same amount of money under EU261/2004 regardless of their age. Even if your child paid a reduced fare and/or they didn’t have their own seat, you can still claim flight delay compensation on the child’s behalf.
- Is flight delay compensation per person?
The amount you are due is fixed in euros and dependent on how long you were delayed and the distance travelled. Some airlines will offer compensation in vouchers, but you don’t have to accept this; you’ve a right to cash, as laid out by the EU. The compensation is per person, so for a family of four, quadruple it.
- How do I claim compensation for delayed flights in Ireland?
If your arrival at your final destination was delayed more than 3 hours you could be entitled to compensation of up to £510 per passenger. If you had a valid booking or reservation and your flight was cancelled you could be entitled to compensation of up to £510 per passenger.
- Is Flight compensation per person or per booking?
Compensation for delays is only due on flights arriving over three hours or more late. You can use the Web Flyer site to check the distance of your flight. Compensation is also per person, so for a family of four, quadruple it (although where a passenger travels free of charge you cannot claim).
- Can I leave the airport if my flight is delayed?
If you see a delay prior to your airport arrival, you can (usually) check on the airline’s site to see if the incoming flight is delayed. If there is bad weather at your departure or arrival airport, you’ll be able to find this information by checking theairport’s websites.
- How long does it take to get compensation from an airline?
It depends on the cause of your claim. If everything is ok with your papers and the airline is guilty, you can get an airline delay compensation in a few weeks. If there are some problems, it can take more time. Special services like AirHelp can help you save time and money.
- What do I do if my flight is cancelled?
First of all, keep calm. You should contact the airline. They can reroute you or offer the refund. Moreover, all of your rights as a passenger should be saved. However, you should claim for compensation for cancelled flights. The repayment depends on the length of trip and time before departure when the cancellation was announced.
- How long do you have to be delayed before compensation?
You have to be delayed for 3 hours and more to get compensation. This is not about that time you spend in the airport waiting for the plane, but the time the flight is late at your destination. If your flight delay is less than 3 hours, the airline should guarantee you some fundamental passengers’ rights.
- Can a flight delay be reversed?
Once the delay is posted, it will not be reversed. It is rare that flights get undelayed, but it does happen. Also, if you don’t check-in within the original required time-frame you can be considered a no-show and bumped. Once the delay is posted, it will not be reversed.
- Can you claim compensation for delayed flights?
Yes, you can. The main thing for this is that the flight delay should be because of airline fault. The time of flight delay should be more than 3 hours. If you do not want to deal with the airline directly or have a bad experience you should contact the special services such as AirHelp and they do all for you.
- Can you get a refund if you cancel your flight?
Yes, you can. The only criteria are to cancel the flight before departure. According to EU flight compensation rules, they must be under EU legislation. The compensation depends on the distance and the airport location and airline residence. If you decide to cancel your flight after departure, you will not get a refund.
- Do airlines compensate for cancelled flights?
Yes, they do. The airlines can compensate the cancelled flights in some situations. You should fill out the claim and contact the airline’s workers. If you do not have enough time or do not want to deal with all those papers, you should use AirHelp. This company is user-friendly, and it is a pleasure to deal with them. You can get a refund without extra efforts keeping your time and nerves.
Check your compensation with AirHelp
Related articles:
- How to get compensation from Ryanair
- How to get compensation from EasyJet
- How to get compensation from Flybe
This article contains affiliate links to AirHelp
