Compensation for Passengers in the Event of Flight Delays: Know Your Rights.
Compensation for Passengers in the Event of Flight Delays: Know Your Rights
Table of Contents
Flight delays and cancellations can be a significant inconvenience for passengers. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers might be entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the length of the delay and the flight distance. This regulation aims to uphold passenger rights and ensure airlines are held accountable.
Eligibility Conditions
To claim compensation, certain conditions must be met:
- Delay Duration: The delay must be at least three hours.
- Check-In: Passengers must have checked in on time.
- Airline Responsibility: The airline must be at fault. This includes technical problems but excludes extraordinary circumstances like severe weather.
The flight must either depart from an EU airport or be operated by an EU airline arriving in the EU. Claims can be made for flights delayed within the past three years.
Compensation Amounts
The amount of compensation varies:
Delay Duration |
Flight Distance |
Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|
3+ hours |
Up to 1,500 km |
€250 |
3+ hours |
1,500 km – 3,500 km |
€400 |
4+ hours or more |
Over 3,500 km |
Up to €600 |
Supporting Documentation
To bolster a claim, passengers should keep the following:
- Boarding Pass or Electronic Ticket
- Booking Confirmation
- Flight Number
- Original Scheduled and Actual Flight Times
- Evidence of Delay: Photos of departure boards, emails, app notifications
Comprehensive Assistance
Passengers experiencing long delays or flight cancellations are entitled to more than just monetary compensation. Airlines must provide:
- Meals and Refreshments: Vouchers or meal provision when the delay is extended
- Accommodation: Hotel stays and transport if the delay involves an overnight stay
- Phone Calls/Emails/Faxes: To keep passengers connected
Addressing Extraordinary Circumstances
Not all flight disruptions qualify for compensation. Extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather, drone disruptions, security risks, and industrial action typically exempt airlines from paying out. These scenarios are beyond the airline’s control and affect flight operations globally.
Extraordinary Circumstances |
Examples |
|---|---|
Extreme Weather |
Snowstorms, fog |
Security Risks |
Terror threats, airport security issues |
Drone Disruptions |
Unauthorised drone activity |
Industrial Action |
Strikes by airport or airline staff |
Claim Submission
Passengers can submit claims directly to the airline or use online claim portals like AirHelp. These services help validate and file claims efficiently. Passengers need to provide all necessary documentation and follow the airline’s claim process.
Denied Boarding and Alternative Flights
In cases of denied boarding, passengers have similar rights. Airlines should offer:
- Alternative Flight: Arrangements for the next available flight or a full refund
- Care Provision: Meals, accommodation, and transport, if needed, until the alternative flight
Duty of Care
Airlines have a duty of care obligation to assist passengers during significant delays, ensuring they are not left stranded without basic amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I calculate my entitlement to compensation for a delayed flight?
To calculate your compensation for a delayed flight, consider the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. If your arrival is delayed by 3 hours or more and the flight distance is less than 1,500 km, you may be entitled to £220. Delays of 3 hours or more on flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km might be eligible for up to £350, while delays over 3,500 km can get you up to £520.
Under what circumstances are passengers eligible for delay compensation with international flights?
Passengers on international flights can claim delay compensation if the flight is departing from an EU country or if the flight is operated by an EU-based airline arriving in an EU country. The delay must be at least 3 hours upon arrival, and the reason for the delay should be within the airline’s control, excluding extraordinary circumstances like bad weather.
What are the guidelines for claiming compensation for a flight delay in the UK?
In the UK, passengers can claim compensation if their flight arrives three or more hours late and the delay is the airline’s fault. Claims can be made up to 6 years after the delayed flight. Passengers should keep all relevant documents, such as boarding passes and emails from the airline, as proof when making a claim.
Are passengers entitled to compensation per person in the event of a flight delay?
Yes, compensation for flight delays is calculated per person. For example, if a family of four travels together and is eligible for £350 each due to a delay, the total compensation would be £1,400. Each passenger must have a valid ticket and confirmation of their booking.
What steps should be taken to claim compensation from airlines like easyJet or Ryanair for a delayed flight?
To claim compensation from airlines such as easyJet or Ryanair, follow these steps:
- Confirm the delay is eligible.
- Collect all necessary information (flight details, delay duration, reason for delay).
- Submit a claim through the airline’s website or customer service.
- If the claim is denied and you believe it is valid, escalate the matter to the CAA or seek legal advice.
Does adverse weather affect a passenger’s right to flight delay compensation?
Adverse weather typically falls under extraordinary circumstances, meaning airlines are not usually obligated to pay compensation for delays caused by it. If severe weather causes a delay, the airline must still provide care, such as meals and accommodation, but is not required to offer monetary compensation.
