Flight compensation under EC 261/2004: how it works
In Europe, passenger rights are mainly governed by EC Regulation 261/2004. Depending on the circumstances, it may provide a cash compensation when a flight is delayed, cancelled, when you miss a connection, or in case of denied boarding. The compensation is typically €250, €400 or €600 per passenger.
The key factor is often your arrival time at the final destination. For example, for delayed flights, it is usually the delay on arrival (not departure delay) that matters. For connecting itineraries, the delay is assessed at the final destination shown on your booking.
Eligibility: when does EC 261/2004 apply?
Departing from the EU
In general, if your flight departs from an airport in the EU, EC 261/2004 may apply regardless of the airline, subject to other conditions.
Arriving in the EU
If your flight arrives in the EU from outside the EU, the regulation may apply when the flight is operated by an EU-based airline.
Are domestic EU flights covered?
Yes, flights departing from EU airports are generally covered, subject to the specific incident and cause.
Does EC 261/2004 apply to low-cost airlines?
Yes. The regulation can apply regardless of whether the airline is low-cost or full-service—what matters is the flight route and legal criteria.
Are children eligible for compensation?
Eligibility can depend on whether the child had a paid seat/ticket and the specific booking conditions. Provide booking details for an accurate review.
Compensation amounts: €250, €400 or €600
Compensation under EC 261/2004 usually depends on the flight distance (or overall itinerary), and in some cases the final arrival delay after rerouting.
Is €600 guaranteed for long-haul flights?
No. €600 is a possible maximum. The final amount depends on distance and the circumstances of your disruption, including the final arrival delay after rerouting.
Can I claim expenses (hotel/meals) as well?
Depending on the situation, you may have separate rights to care and assistance (meals, hotel, transport). Keep receipts and documents.
FAQ: delayed flight compensation
For a delayed flight, the well-known threshold is often 3 hours or more delay at the final destination on arrival, subject to the cause and eligibility rules.
How many hours of delay are required to claim compensation?
In general, compensation may be due from 3 hours delay or more at the final destination, provided the cause is not considered extraordinary.
Does departure delay alone qualify?
Not necessarily. What usually matters is the delay on arrival at your final destination.
The airline says it was a technical issue—am I eligible?
Many “routine” technical problems are not automatically extraordinary. However, each case depends on facts and evidence (nature of the issue, airline measures, etc.).
Am I entitled to meals or hotel during a long delay?
Depending on waiting time and schedule, the airline may need to provide care and assistance such as meals, refreshments, communications, and sometimes hotel + transfers.
What if the airline ignores my messages?
Gather evidence and follow a structured approach. If you want to save time, you can submit your case through a specialized service so it is handled consistently.
FAQ: cancelled flight compensation
In case of a cancelled flight, your rights may include rerouting or a refund, and in some situations compensation. The notification timing and the cause of cancellation are key factors.
Do I always get compensation if my flight is cancelled?
Not always. It depends on the notice period, the cause, and the alternative solution offered (rerouting). A case-by-case review is needed.
Should I accept the rerouting offered by the airline?
Depending on the situation, you may have options (refund vs rerouting). Be careful: the choice can affect arrival time and eligibility.
What if the airline informed me late?
Late notice can strengthen eligibility in certain scenarios, especially if the alternative arrival time significantly worsens.
FAQ: missed connection & final destination delay
A missed connection often happens when the first flight is delayed and you cannot board the next segment, or when rerouting leads to a significant arrival delay at your final destination.
For missed connections, does final destination arrival time matter?
Yes. The delay is generally assessed at your final destination (the last flight of the itinerary), not at the transfer airport.
What if I booked separate tickets?
Separate tickets can complicate eligibility because the itinerary may not be treated as one contract of carriage. We review booking details to assess responsibility.
The airline rebooked me—can I still claim?
Possibly. What matters is the final arrival delay and whether the cause is extraordinary. Rerouting can reduce the delay, affecting eligibility.
FAQ: denied boarding & overbooking
Denied boarding commonly occurs with overbooking, but can also happen for other reasons. Depending on the case, you may have rights to care, rerouting/refund and sometimes compensation.
Overbooking: can I claim compensation?
Often yes, when the denial is not caused by the passenger (e.g., missing documents). The exact reason and evidence matter.
The airline offers a voucher—should I accept it?
You are not necessarily required to accept a voucher. Accepting may affect your options—ask for everything in writing and keep records.
Extraordinary circumstances: what airlines claim most often
Airlines may deny compensation if the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances and if they can show they took reasonable measures. However, not every reason automatically qualifies—facts and evidence matter.
Often extraordinary
- Severe weather
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Security risks / emergencies
Often disputed
- Routine technical issues
- Aircraft rotation / internal planning
- Crew/staff shortages (depending on case)
What documents should I keep to strengthen my claim?
Claims often fail due to missing evidence. Ideally, keep a complete set: booking confirmation, boarding passes, airline notifications, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses.
How to claim: steps, timelines, and common pitfalls
To avoid back-and-forth, structure your claim: itinerary, disruption, final arrival delay, and evidence. Time limits can vary by country, so it’s best to check early.
How long do I have to submit a claim?
Time limits may vary by country and case type. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check quickly to avoid missing the deadline.
Why do airlines often refuse at first?
Some refusals are automated or incomplete. A well-documented case and clear eligibility review can help overcome common objections.
Do I need to contact an authority?
In some cases, an additional complaint route may help. The right strategy depends on the details of your case and your goals (fast settlement vs escalation).
Fly-Claim: how we help (and how fees work)
Fly-Claim helps you assess eligibility, organize evidence and handle communications with the airline. Our approach is simple: no upfront costs and a fee only if the claim succeeds (see details on our fees page).
What we do
- Eligibility and final delay analysis
- Evidence and timeline structuring
- Follow-ups with the airline
What you get
- Time saved (simple process)
- Clear understanding of your rights
- Support through resolution
Useful links
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