⏱️ Delay
Compensation may apply if arrival at your final destination is delayed by 3 hours or more (excluding extraordinary circumstances).
See “Delayed flight” →What the law says
Delay, cancellation, overbooking: your rights in practice
EU Regulation EC 261/2004 protects passengers when a trip doesn’t go as planned. Depending on your itinerary and the situation, you may be entitled to compensation and/or care (meals, hotel, communications).
✈️ Cancellation
Depending on the notice period and the alternative offered, you may get compensation and care.
See “Cancelled flight” →
🚫 Overbooking
Denied boarding: possible compensation + assistance (rerouting, meals, hotel depending on the case).
Check eligibility →
🔁 Missed connection
If it’s within the same booking/itinerary, the delay is measured at final arrival. This may entitle you to compensation.
See “Missed connection” →
Tip: keep your evidence (emails/SMS, photos of airport screens, booking confirmation). It often makes the difference.
When can you get compensation?
In general, you can claim if your flight departs from the EU (any airline), or if it arrives in the EU with an EU airline. Connections are covered when they’re part of the same itinerary/booking.
✅ Arrival delay ≥ 3h
✅ Cancellation (depending on notice and rerouting)
✅ Denied boarding (overbooking)
✅ Missed connection (same booking/itinerary)
Care & assistance (in addition)
Depending on the waiting time, the airline must sometimes provide meals, drinks, communications and hotel accommodation with transport.
Missed connection
If a delay on one leg makes you miss your connection, the delay is calculated at final arrival. This can trigger compensation eligibility.
Read “Missed connection” →
Check my case
Quick form • No upfront fees
Compensation amounts
The amount mainly depends on distance and arrival delay. In some cases, rerouting can affect the amount — which is why your file must be assessed accurately.
Distance
Compensation
Example
≤ 1500 km
€250
Paris → Rome
1500–3500 km
€400
Paris → Marrakech
≥ 3500 km
€600
Paris → New York
💡
Remember: what matters is the final arrival delay (especially with connections), not just departure delay.
Extraordinary circumstances: when the airline may refuse
Airlines may deny compensation if the disruption was caused by “extraordinary circumstances”. The exact cause and evidence matter — some reasons are debatable depending on context.
Often extraordinary
- Dangerous weather / severe conditions
- Air traffic control restrictions (ATC)
- Security risks, emergencies
Often NOT extraordinary
- Routine technical issues
- Internal organisation (rotation, planning)
- Staffing issues (depending on the case)
Documents to prepare
The clearer your file, the smoother the claim. Here’s the recommended minimum:
✓
Booking
E-ticket, confirmation, flight number
✓
Evidence
Emails/SMS, screenshots, photos of displays
✓
ID
Identity document (depending on procedure)
How to claim easily
Most refusals come from incomplete files or incorrect qualification of the disruption. The key is to document and present the case properly.
- Enter your flight details and describe the issue (delay/cancellation/overbooking).
- Eligibility check and file preparation.
- Contact and negotiation with the airline.
- Payout if accepted (or further action if needed depending on the case).
Check your compensation in a few minutes
No upfront costs • Fee only if successful
Examples
Delayed intra-EU flight
Short route, final arrival delayed by 3h+ → possible €250 compensation.
Cancelled flight with late rerouting
Cancellation + significant final arrival delay despite rerouting → possible €400 or €600 depending on distance.
FAQ
How many hours of delay qualify for compensation?
In general, compensation may apply if your final destination arrival is delayed by at least 3 hours, under EC 261/2004 conditions.
What if the airline claims “extraordinary circumstances”?
Some causes can exclude compensation (severe weather, ATC restrictions, security). Others may be disputable depending on context. Evidence and the exact cause are key.
Does a missed connection count?
Yes, if it is part of the same itinerary/booking. The delay is measured at final arrival.