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Submit your claim in minutes - our team takes care of the airline on your behalf. Backed by EU Regulation 261/2004 - your rights are protected.

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Table of Contents

  • Delayed Flight? Here’s When You Can Claim Up to €600
  • Your Rights When a Flight Is Delayed
  • Insights on Flight Delay Compensation
  • What To Do If Your Flight Is Delayed
  • Airport Services and Benefits You’re Entitled To (Table)
  • How EU Law Calculates Delays or Decides “Arrival Time”
  • How to Apply for Flight Delay Compensations
  • If Your Flight Is Delayed More Than 5 Hours
  • If Your Flight Is Rescheduled to the Next Day
  • Flight Delay Rights for Business and State Travelers
  • Extraordinary Circumstances: When Airlines May Avoid Paying Compensation

Delayed Flight? Here’s When You Can Claim Up to €600

Flight delays are frustrating, but under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation if your flight arrives at your final destination 3 hours or more later than scheduled and the airline is responsible for the disruption.

This law ensures passengers are not left stranded without support. Depending on your situation, you can claim:

Depending on your situation, you may receive:
  • Financial compensation of €250–€600 based on flight distance.
  • Refunds or re-routing if the delay becomes unreasonable or you decide not to travel.
  • Care and assistance including meals, drinks, and hotel accommodation when necessary.

👉 Not sure if your delay qualifies? Use our free claim checker — it takes less than 2 minutes.

Your Rights When a Flight Is Delayed

Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, if your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation of €250–€600, depending on the flight distance and whether the airline is responsible for the delay.

Here’s what airlines owe you:
  • Compensation: €250 to €600 (based on flight length).
  • Meals & refreshments: Free after a 2-hour delay.
  • Hotel & transport: Provided if your flight is delayed overnight.

Even low-cost airlines are required to comply with these rules.

Check your claim eligibility quickly

Insights on Flight Delay Compensation

  • You may claim if your delay was over 3 hours at the final destination.
  • Compensation applies under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.
  • Amounts range from €250 to €600, depending on flight distance.
  • Delays caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather, air traffic control strikes) may not be eligible.
  • Airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and accommodation during long delays.
  • You usually have up to 3 years (varies by country) to file your claim.

What To Do If Your Flight Is Delayed

To strengthen your case and ensure a smooth claim process, follow these essential steps:

  • Request a written explanation of the cause of delay from the airline.
  • Save all documents — tickets, boarding passes, receipts, and vouchers.
  • Use your entitlements such as free meals and refreshments at the airport.
  • Use our compensation calculator to check how much you could claim.

Pro Tip: The sooner you collect documentation, the easier it is to win your claim.

When Do You Receive Flight Delay Compensation?

Compensation is calculated based on flight distance — not the ticket price.

Flight Distance
  • ✈️ Up to 1,500 km
  • 🌍 1,500 – 3,500 km
  • 🛫 Over 3,500 km
Delay
  • 3+ hours
  • 3+ hours
  • 3+ hours
Compensation
  • €250
  • €400
  • €600
Key Notes:
  • Applies to both low-cost and full-service airlines.
  • You can claim for disruptions going back as far as 6 years (depending on the country).
  • For full compensation, the flight must depart from the EU or arrive in the EU on an EU-based airline.

👉 Don’t let airlines keep what’s rightfully yours —check if your delayed flight qualifies in just 2 minutes. Check Compensation →

How EU Law Calculates Delays or Decides “Arrival Time”

For EU261 compensation claims, delays are measured based on the actual arrival time at the destination airport. A landmark 2014 EU Court ruling clarified that arrival time is defined as the exact moment when the aircraft reaches its parking stand and at least one door is opened for passengers to disembark.

This official definition is crucial:

  • Delays are calculated based on actual arrival time, not takeoff time.
  • Even a small difference (e.g., 3 hours 5 minutes) can determine eligibility for compensation.
  • This rule applies to all EU flights and airlines covered under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

📝 How to Apply for Flight Delay Compensation

Claiming compensation on your own can be complicated — you may need to check flight databases, weather records, and legal rulings to prove your case under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.

Here’s how to make the process easier:
  • Confirm eligibility: Delays of 3+ hours at arrival may qualify.
  • Collect documents: Keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and receipts.
  • Submit your claim: Use our free compensation checker to see instantly if you’re entitled.
  • Let us handle the rest: Our legal experts verify your case, deal with the airline, and fight for your compensation — at no upfront cost.

👉 It takes just 2 minutes to check if your delayed flight is worth up to €600 in compensation.

Check Your Claim Now →

If Your Flight Is Delayed More Than 5 Hours

When a flight is delayed by over 5 hours, EU law gives you important rights and choices:

  • Cancel your journey and receive a full ticket refund.
  • Request re-routing to your final destination at the earliest available time.
  • Ask for transport back to your original departure airport if you no longer wish to continue or missed a connecting flight.

💡 Tip: Always request a written confirmation from the airline before accepting alternatives or refunds.

If Your Flight Is Rescheduled to the Next Day

If your flight is pushed to the following day, the airline is required to cover essential services for passengers:

  • Hotel accommodation for overnight delays.
  • Transport to and from the hotel.
  • Meals and refreshments while waiting.

👉 Airlines usually arrange these services directly, but if you pay out of pocket, keep receipts and request written confirmation so you can claim reimbursement.

Flight Delay Rights for Business and State Travelers

Yes — if you’re delayed while traveling for business, the compensation goes directly to you, not your employer.

The same applies to state officials or anyone traveling on tickets purchased by another party (e.g., your company, a tour operator, or a government office).

💡 Important: Compensation always belongs to the traveler affected by the delay — not the person or organization who paid for the ticket.

⚠️ Extraordinary Circumstances: When Airlines May Avoid Paying Compensation

Sometimes delays or cancellations occur due to events beyond the airline’s control, known as extraordinary circumstances. In such cases, compensation may not apply. Examples include:

  • Airport or airspace closures
  • Political unrest or instability
  • Security threats or risks
  • Strikes (e.g., air traffic control or airport staff)
  • Bird strikes (birds flying into the engine)
  • Severe or extreme weather conditions

🔎 Important: Even if compensation is not payable, airlines must still provide care and assistance (meals, drinks, and accommodation if needed). Also, if it’s proven that the airline failed to take reasonable measures (e.g., insufficient de-icing supplies during snow), passengers may still qualify for compensation.