Flight Delay Compensation
Flight delays can significantly impact your travel plans, but certain jurisdictions have legislation that may entitle you to compensation. These regulations cover specific flights, primarily those departing from or arriving in the UK or EU, and outline the rights of passengers facing disruptions. Eligibility and compensation amounts depend on factors like the delay duration, flight distance, and whether the airline was at fault, with passengers potentially receiving up to $650, even if an alternative flight is provided. This article delves into the specifics of flight delay compensation, guiding you through your rights and how to claim them.
United Kingdom Flight Delay Rights
Claiming Compensation for Flight Delays in the UK
Flight delays can disrupt travel plans, but passengers are often entitled to compensation under UK law, specifically UK261, which is based on the European EC 261 regulation. This regulation allows eligible travellers to receive up to £520 in compensation for flight delays or cancellations. Here, we'll guide you through your rights and the process of claiming the compensation you deserve.
Eligibility for Flight Delay Compensation
To qualify for compensation under UK261:
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Your flight arrived at its destination over 3 hours late.
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The flight took off from or arrived in the UK.
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You checked in on time, usually 45 minutes before departure.
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The airline was responsible for the delay (e.g., operational or technical issues).
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The flight occurred within the last 6 years.
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UK261 Coverage:
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Departures from the UK: All flights departing from the UK, regardless of the airline, are covered.
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Arrivals to the UK: Flights arriving in the UK are covered if the airline is based in the UK or EU.
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Understanding Compensation Amounts
Compensation depends on the flight distance and delay duration. Here's a quick breakdown:
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Flights up to 1,500 km: up to £220
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Internal UK flights over 1,500 km: up to £350
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Non-internal UK flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: up to £350
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Non-internal UK flights over 3,500 km: £260–£520
Beyond Compensation: Additional Passenger Rights
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Right to Care: During delays, passengers have the right to meals, refreshments, and communication access. If an overnight stay is needed, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport.
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Right to Reimbursement or Re-routing: If a delay exceeds 5 hours, passengers can request a full or partial ticket refund and a return flight to their departure point if needed.
Avoiding Extraordinary Circumstances
UK261 exempts airlines from liability in extraordinary circumstances like severe weather, security threats, and air traffic strikes. However, airlines must have reasonable contingency plans for foreseeable disruptions.
Know Your Rights
Airlines must inform passengers of their rights, with information about UK261 displayed at check-in counters. Familiarize yourself with your rights to ensure you claim the compensation you deserve.
European Flight Delay Rights
Claiming Compensation for Flight Delays on EU Flights
Flight delays can disrupt travel plans, but passengers are often entitled to compensation under European law, specifically EC 261. This regulation allows eligible travelers to receive up to €600 in compensation for flight delays or cancellations. Here, we'll guide you through your rights and the process of claiming the compensation you deserve.
Eligibility for Flight Delay Compensation
To qualify for compensation under EC 261:
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Your flight arrived at its destination over 3 hours late.
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The flight took off from an EU airport, or was operated by an EU-based airline arriving in the EU.
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You checked in on time, usually 45 minutes before departure.
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The airline was responsible for the delay (e.g., operational or technical issues).
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The flight occurred within the last 3 years.
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Coverage under EC 261
Flights Covered:
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Flights departing from any EU airport.
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Flights arriving in the EU, provided they are operated by an EU-based airline.
Countries Covered:
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All 27 EU member states.
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Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
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EU's "outermost regions," such as the Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira.
Eligibility for Flight Delay Compensation
To qualify for compensation under EC 261:
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Your flight arrived at its destination over 3 hours late.
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The flight took off from an EU airport, or was operated by an EU-based airline arriving in the EU.
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You checked in on time, usually 45 minutes before departure.
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The airline was responsible for the delay (e.g., operational or technical issues).
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The flight occurred within the last 3 years.
​
Understanding Compensation Amounts
Compensation depends on the flight distance and delay duration. Here's a quick breakdown:
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Flights up to 1,500 km: up to €250
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Internal EU flights over 1,500 km: up to €400
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Non-internal EU flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: up to €400
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Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km: €300–€600
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Beyond Compensation: Additional Passenger Rights
Right to Care: During delays, passengers have the right to meals, refreshments, and communication access. If an overnight stay is needed, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport.
Right to Reimbursement or Re-routing: If a delay exceeds 5 hours, passengers can request a full or partial ticket refund and a return flight to their departure point if needed.
​
Avoiding Extraordinary Circumstances
EC 261 exempts airlines from liability in extraordinary circumstances like severe weather, security threats, and air traffic strikes. However, airlines must have reasonable contingency plans for foreseeable disruptions.
Know Your Rights
Airlines must inform passengers of their rights, with information about EC 261 displayed at check-in counters. Familiarize yourself with your rights to ensure you claim the compensation you deserve.
US Flight Delay Rights
What are US air passenger rights?
Regrettably, US laws concerning passenger rights when flights are delayed or cancelled are not as extensive as European or international standards.
However, US laws do benefit those denied boarding, passengers facing tarmac delays, or travellers encountering luggage issues.​
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International Flights and the Montreal Convention
The Montreal Convention, an international agreement signed by the U.S. and over 130 countries, provides compensation for losses due to delays on international flights:
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Passengers may receive compensation for financial losses caused by delays.
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The amount depends on the damage sustained, up to a limit specified by the convention.