EU flight delay compensation: Step-by-step guide

Nov 03 2024 MFR travel team

Having to deal with a flight delay can be quite annoying and inconvenient when it messes up your travel arrangements. Thankfully though if you're traveling within the European Union (EU) there are rules, in place to safeguard passenger rights. You might qualify for flight compensation. The EU Regulation 261/2004 guarantees that passengers can get compensation for delays long as specific criteria are fulfilled. This guide will take you through the steps of seeking compensation for flight delays, in the EU.

Understand your rights under EU 261/2004

The EU regulation 261 / 2004 is relevant, to flights departing from an airport in the EU or those operated by an airline based in the EU flying to an EU location upon arrival. If your flight experiences a delay of three hours or more at its destination you might be eligible for compensation. However some situations are exceptional. These may involve weather conditions, political turmoil or strikes, by air traffic control; events that're outside the airlines authority and excuse them from providing compensation.

Check if your delay qualifies for compensation

Before proceeding with a claim, you need to verify whether your delay meets the requirements for compensation. The key factors include:

Delay Duration: Your flight must arrive at least three hours late to its final destination to qualify.

Flight Eligibility: Compensation applies if: your flight departs from an EU airport, or your flight is operated by an EU-based airline arriving at an EU destination.

For instance, a flight from Paris to New York operated by a European airline would qualify, but a flight from New York to Paris operated by a non-EU airline may not.

Determine the compensation amount

The compensation you are entitled to depends on the flight distance and the length of the delay. EU 261/2004 outlines the following amounts:

• 250 € for flights up to 1 500 km delayed by over three hours.
• 400 € for flights between 1 500 km and 3 500 km delayed by over three hours.
• 600 € for flights over 3 500 km delayed by over four hours.

Even if your flight is delayed by more than five hours, you are entitled to either compensation or a refund, as well as assistance such as food, refreshments, and, if necessary, accommodation.

Gather the paperwork

To make sure you receive compensation successfully for your claim it's important to collect all the documents. The airline will ask for proof of your flight delay and details, about your flight. Remember to retain a copy of your ticket or boarding pass, along, with any emails confirming your flight details. The airline also provided you with a written confirmation of the delay? Remember to hold on to any receipts, for expenses incurred such as food or transportation in case of a delay. Even though the airline might cover these costs initially; you could potentially receive reimbursement if they don’t.

Submit your compensation claim

Once you have gathered all necessary documentation, contact the airline to file your compensation claim. You can do this through the airline’s website, customer service hotline, or by sending a formal letter or email.

When submitting the claim:

• Include your flight details (flight number, date, and route).
• Specify the delay duration.
• Reference EU 261/2004 and explain why you believe you are entitled to compensation.
• Attach copies of your boarding pass, delay confirmation, and any related receipts.

Airlines are generally required to respond within a few weeks, though some cases may take longer to resolve.

Know your passenger rights if the airline refuses

There are situations where airlines might decline to provide compensation by mentioning circumstances or other explanations. If you feel their denial is unfair you can take action and you can hire a lawyer. Consider seeking assistance from a professional if the airline persists in declining payment or prolonging the resolution process; however be aware that this may entail a procedure. The other option is to, of course, let us do the work for you. You can always check if you are eligible for compensation with MYFLYRIGHT and file your case with us.

In most EU countries, passengers can claim compensation for delays that occurred up to three years ago. So, even if you experienced a delay in the past, it's worth checking to see if you can still file a claim.

How MYFLYRIGHT can help you

Navigating the compensation process can be overwhelming, particularly when airlines are unresponsive or deny claims. MYFLYRIGHT offers a hassle-free solution by handling your compensation claim from start to finish. Our team of experts specializes in enforcing passengers' rights under EU 261/2004. We take care of the legal complexities and ensure that you get the compensation you're entitled to, whether for flight delays, flight cancellations, or missed connections. By entrusting MYFLYRIGHT, you save time and increase your chances of a successful claim, without the stress of dealing with airlines directly.