If you've ever experienced a flight delay, cancellation, or been denied boarding, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This comprehensive guide will help you understand your rights and how to claim what you're owed.
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EU Regulation 261/2004, commonly known as EU261, is a European Union law that establishes common rules for compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of:
This regulation applies to all flights departing from EU airports, as well as flights arriving in the EU on EU-based airlines.
EU261 applies to:
The regulation covers all 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom for flights departing from these countries.
The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the flight distance and the length of delay:
| Distance | Delay at Arrival | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 3+ hours | €250 |
| 1,500 - 3,500 km | 3+ hours | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | 3-4 hours | €300 |
| Over 3,500 km | 4+ hours | €600 |
Flight distance is calculated using the great circle method (the shortest distance between two points on a sphere). For example:
You can claim compensation if your flight arrives at its final destination more than 3 hours late. The delay is measured at the time the aircraft door opens at the arrival gate, not when it lands.
Important: The delay must be within the airline's control. Extraordinary circumstances (see below) do not qualify.
If your flight is cancelled, you're entitled to:
The compensation amounts are the same as for delays, based on flight distance.
If you're denied boarding due to overbooking, you're entitled to:
Airlines are not required to pay compensation if the disruption is caused by "extraordinary circumstances." These include:
Note: Technical problems with the aircraft are generally NOT considered extraordinary circumstances, as these are within the airline's control through proper maintenance.
In addition to monetary compensation, EU261 also guarantees you:
For delays of 2+ hours (depending on flight distance), airlines must provide:
If your flight is delayed by 5+ hours, you can choose:
Collect the following documents:
You have several options:
Airlines have 2-3 months to respond to your claim. If they reject it unfairly, you may need to escalate to a national enforcement body or take legal action.
The time limit for claiming compensation varies by country:
| Country | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Germany | 3 years |
| France | 5 years |
| UK | 6 years |
| Spain | 5 years |
| Netherlands | 2 years |
Tip: File your claim as soon as possible after the disrupted flight.
Airlines often try to avoid paying compensation. Watch out for:
At ClaimPlane, we specialize in helping passengers claim the compensation they deserve. Here's why thousands of travelers trust us:
EU261 is one of the strongest passenger protection laws in the world, but many travelers are unaware of their rights or find the claims process too complicated. Don't let airlines keep money that's rightfully yours.
If you've experienced a flight disruption in the last 3-6 years (depending on your departure country), you may still be eligible for compensation. Start your claim today and let ClaimPlane fight for your rights.
Ready to claim your compensation? Start your free claim assessment today and find out how much you're owed.
Yes! Depending on the country, you can claim for flights that occurred 2-6 years ago. Check the time limits table above.
No, if your flight was cancelled and you chose not to take an alternative, you can still claim compensation for the cancellation.
You have the right to cash compensation. Vouchers are optional and you can decline them.
Yes, if your connecting flight is delayed or cancelled, causing you to arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late, you can claim compensation based on the total distance.
Don't take their word for it! Airlines often incorrectly classify technical issues as extraordinary. Contact ClaimPlane for a free assessment.