International vs. Domestic Flights: Differences in Getting Compensation with Airclaim

Air travel always brings excitement and new experiences, whether you are planning a domestic city break or heading to a distant destination. However, any passenger can face delays, cancellations, or lost luggage. Many do not know exactly what compensation they may be entitled to and which rules apply, especially when the differences between domestic and international flights are not obvious. In this guide, you will discover how the type of flight affects your ability to recover damages through a specialized platform like Airclaim.

Why does the type of flight make a difference?

You may have waited in a crowded airport and wondered whether the compensation amount, procedures, and deadlines differ if you are flying domestically or internationally. In reality, the answer depends on several factors: distance, applicable legislation, and the airline. Domestic and international flights are subject to different rules regarding compensation, and whether a route stays within one country or crosses borders changes the way claims are handled.

Basic rules: Which regulations govern compensation?

Regulation (EC) 261/2004 – The main reference in the EU

For all flights departing from an EU member state, European legislation applies, known as Regulation (EC) 261/2004. This ensures passenger protection if a flight experiences a long delay, is canceled, or boarding is denied. The regulation covers:

• Any flight departing from an EU airport, regardless of the destination;

• Any flight operated by an EU-based carrier, even if it departs outside the EU and lands at a European airport.

Thus, if you choose a domestic route within Romania (for example, Brașov–Bucharest) or an international route departing from the EU (for example, Timișoara–Munich), your rights regarding compensation remain the same.

Differences for domestic flights outside the European Union

Flights operated outside the Union, such as Istanbul–Ankara or domestic flights in the United States, are not covered by European regulation. In such cases, each country sets its own rules, which can be more permissive or restrictive. For example, in the USA, compensation is not as strictly regulated, and typically, you only receive a ticket refund or rerouting, not additional sums.

Where to file a claim?

• For flights within and from the EU, you can contact the National Consumer Protection Authority or its equivalent in any member state.

• For flights outside European airspace, claims go to the local aviation authorities.

Comparison: Authorized amounts and rights by flight type

You are entitled to claim compensation if you encounter any of the following situations:

• Delay over 3 hours caused by the carrier;

• Cancellation without at least 14 days’ notice;

• Denied boarding due to overbooking;

• Damage to luggage.

Compensation amounts: Comparative table

*Valid for longer domestic EU flights – rare cases, such as Bucharest–Lisbon, where the distance exceeds 1500 km.

Example: For a Târgu Mureș–Bucharest flight delayed over 3 hours, compensation reaches €250. For a Bucharest–London route with the same delay, the amount rises to €400. For a flight from Bucharest to Dubai (over 3500 km) with a significant delay, you could recover €600.

Conditions you must meet to receive compensation

You can receive compensation only if the airline is at fault. You cannot claim compensation for force majeure events – such as storms, medical emergencies, or airport-wide strikes. Consult the full list of reasons that exclude payment directly on Airclaim – Causes of Flight Delays.

Exceptions: When you are not eligible for compensation

• Extreme weather or unstable meteorological conditions

• Compromised security

• Urgent medical situations

• Strikes by non-airline staff

Airclaim encourages passengers to act in cases of technical problems, staffing deficiencies, or scheduling errors by the airline.

How to ensure you receive compensation with Airclaim

Many people find it difficult to complete claims on their own and negotiate with carriers. The Airclaim platform simplifies the process, making steps easy to follow and the outcome fast.

Steps to follow for any type of flight

1. Quickly check eligibility online, directly or by scanning your boarding pass.

2. Gather the necessary documents: confirmed reservation, boarding pass, evidence of delay (e.g., screenshot of the flight schedule or SMS notifications).

3. Submit the claim through the Airclaim platform; specialists handle communication, negotiation, and updates.

4. Receive payment if the claim is successful, after approval of the solution.

Documents you should have on hand

• Electronic reservation or printed ticket

• Boarding pass (including online version)

• Evidence of delay or cancellation (emails, SMS, screenshots)

How long does the process take?

• Claims for domestic flights tend to be resolved faster because there is no language barrier, no involvement of foreign companies, and the competent authority is the same.

• For international flights, the process may take longer – dealing with carriers based in other countries and, sometimes, with different interpretations of the law.

Practical tips to increase your chances of receiving compensation

Quickly identify the flight type and associated rights

• Ensure that departure or arrival points are in the EU and that the airline is based in the Union.
• For connecting flights, check if you have a single booking for the entire itinerary. This helps prove the connection between flights and supports the compensation claim.

Keep all documents and communications

• Do not throw away your boarding pass, even if you have no checked baggage. It remains essential evidence.
• Photograph or note official departure/arrival times
• Save all written messages from the airline regarding flight changes or delays.

Communicate with the airline and Airclaim

• Always request clear information about your flight situation.
• Do not accept vouchers or compensation on the spot without consulting a specialized service, to avoid losing your right to the correct sum.
• Communicate firmly but respectfully when asserting your rights.

What to do if the carrier refuses payment or invokes exceptions?

If you receive a refusal, use Airclaim services to challenge the decision quickly. Some companies do not respond promptly to the first request, but persistence and insistence can produce positive results. If the legal department determines you have a solid case, Airclaim can initiate additional proceedings.

Frequently asked questions about compensation for domestic and international flights

Are the amounts the same for any route?

No. The sum depends on the actual distance traveled and flight details. Short domestic flights or flights under 1500 km yield up to €250, while routes over 3500 km (usually international flights) may receive €600.

The airline is not based in the EU. What do you do?

If you depart from a European airport, EU legislation applies, regardless of the airline’s nationality. If you depart outside the Union with a non-EU carrier and arrive in Europe, the regulation does not guarantee the right to compensation.

What are your rights regarding luggage on domestic vs. international flights?

Both European rules and the Montreal Convention protect passenger rights. You can claim compensation for damaged, lost, or delayed luggage. Remember to keep the baggage receipt and report the incident immediately at the dedicated desk after landing.

Are there different causes for delays on domestic or international flights?

On short flights, the main reasons relate to route scheduling errors, airport congestion, or local logistical issues. International flights may be more affected by adverse weather (e.g., snow at connecting airports), international strikes, or complex technical failures. The analysis of the main causes is also available on Airclaim – Causes of Flight Delays.