Delayed flight compensation

Compensation for delayed flights is a passenger right established by EU Regulation 261/2004. If you face a flight delay, it’s essential to know that you have rights, along with specific conditions that must be met to qualify for compensation.

When are you entitled to compensation for a delayed flight?

Passengers are entitled to compensation for delayed flights based on the following criteria:

1. Responsibility: The airline is directly responsible for the delay, excluding cases where the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances (unforeseen events beyond the airline's control).

2. Delay Duration: The flight arrival at the final destination is delayed by more than 3 hours.

3. Claim Deadline: Passengers can claim compensation if no more than one year has passed since the date of the disrupted flight.

You may be eligible for delayed flight compensation if:

• The delay resulted from poor crew scheduling by the airline.

• A technical issue caused the aircraft’s delay.

• A previous flight was delayed, leading to your flight’s delay.

• Airline staff strikes caused the delay.

What is the compensation amount for a delayed flight?

For delayed flights, compensation is calculated based on the flight distance and destination location.

Extraordinary circumstances in case of delayed flights

Certain extraordinary circumstances can affect your compensation rights for a delayed flight. These may include:

• Natural disasters - such as severe storms, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.

• Air traffic control restrictions or airline staff strikes.

• Political issues, like riots or wars.

• Unexpected technical issues, such as bird strikes damaging the aircraft engine.

Delayed flight compensation in the EU

If you flew with Tarom, Wizz Air, Ryanair, or any other EU airline and arrived late at your destination, you can claim compensation. Moreover, in addition to claiming compensation for a delayed Wizz Air flight, for example, you are also entitled to:

• Food and drink,

• Accommodation if the delay extends overnight,

• Financial compensation if the delay exceeds 3 hours.

If the delay is over 5 hours, you have the right to cancel your trip and receive a free return flight to your departure point. You may also request a hotel room from the airline.

If the flight delay caused unexpected costs, such as losing a hotel booking, you may claim all additional expenses from the airline alongside your flight delay compensation.

Delayed flight compensation in the USA

For flights delayed within the United States:

1. Present Travel Documents! Show your boarding pass or other relevant travel documents to the airline information desk. If you lack a boarding pass, any other document with your flight reservation code (a 6-character code of letters and numbers) can suffice.

2. Request Assistance! You are entitled to food, water, and restroom access during tarmac delays. If the delay extends after boarding, the airline must provide these amenities within 2 hours. After 3 hours (4 hours for international flights), you have the right to disembark unless in cases of force majeure.

3. Negotiate Compensation for the Delay!

Airline obligations in case of a delayed flight

Besides your right to claim compensation, airlines have additional obligations toward their passengers:

• You have the right to receive timely and accurate information about any flight delays, including the estimated delay duration and reasons. Airlines must ensure you have all the information needed to make informed travel decisions.

• Airlines must provide assistance during extended delays, which may include snacks and drinks, access to communication facilities, and accommodation if necessary.

• If the flight delay requires an overnight stay, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.

• If you incur additional costs due to the delay, such as extra taxi expenses, the airline must cover these costs. To claim reimbursement, retain all relevant receipts and invoices.

EU Regulation 261 compensation rights for vacation packages

This right applies to flights within the EU and to destinations outside the EU. The EU has established compensation rules to ensure fair treatment for all passengers affected by delayed or canceled flights.

It’s essential that the vacation package you purchased includes clear information about the flight route, destination, and mode of transport. Missing information may affect your eligibility for compensation.

As for the responsibilities of your travel organizer, they must inform you in writing about the schedule, locations for connecting flights, and layovers. Failure to meet these responsibilities may entitle you to higher compensation.

Get Delayed Flight Compensation with AirClaim!

With AirClaim, there’s nothing to lose. Applying is entirely free—ZERO commission if you aren’t compensated for the flight delay!

We understand how valuable your time is, and we aim to save it by managing the entire refund process for your delayed flight. This way, you can focus on other aspects of life while we handle your compensation claim for the delayed flight.

Frequently Asked Questions about Delayed Flight Compensation

Due to the first flight delay, I missed my connecting flight. Am I entitled to compensation? 

Yes, provided the delay at the final destination is at least 3 hours. It's important to note that one of the essential conditions for claiming compensation for a delayed flight is that tickets for both flights must share the same booking reference.

My flight was delayed. What should I do? 

Request clear information from an airline representative regarding the reason for the delay. Record the time you were notified of the delay and the estimated departure time. Ensure that you keep all relevant travel documents, including your boarding pass, ticket, and any notifications from the airline. If the delay exceeded 3 hours, complete the compensation claim form on AirClaim!

What documents are needed to request compensation for a delayed flight?

Flight number, departure and arrival airports, and one of the following: boarding pass, ticket, or (if available) online reservation confirmation.