Compensation for Delayed Flights is a Right of Passengers, According to EU Regulation 261/2004. If you are dealing with a delayed flight, you should know that you have rights, but also certain conditions you must meet to be eligible for compensation.

In What Situations Are You Entitled to Compensation for a Delayed Flight?

Passengers are entitled to compensation for a delayed flight under the following criteria:

• Responsibility: The airline is directly responsible for the delayed flight, except when the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances (unforeseen events beyond the airline's control).
• Duration of the Delay: The flight to the final destination was delayed by more than 3 hours.
• Timeframe for Claiming: Passengers can claim compensation for a delayed flight if no more than one year has passed since the date of the disrupted flight.

You Are Eligible for Compensation for a Delayed Flight If:

• The delay was due to poor scheduling of the crew’s working hours by the airline.
• The flight was delayed due to a technical failure of the aircraft.
• The previous flight was delayed, resulting in another flight delay.
• The delay was caused by airline staff strikes.

What Is the Compensation Amount for a Delayed Flight?

In the case of a delayed flight, compensation is calculated based on the travel distance and the destination location.

Extraordinary Circumstances for a Delayed Flight

If you want to claim compensation for a flight delay, there are certain extraordinary circumstances that can affect your rights as a passenger. These may include:

• Natural disasters – severe storms, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
• Air traffic control restrictions or airline staff strikes.
• Political issues such as riots or wars.
• Unexpected technical problems, like birds causing damage to the aircraft engine.

Compensation for Delayed Flights in the EU

If you flew with Tarom, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and your flight was delayed upon arrival, you can claim compensation for the delayed flight from any of these EU airlines. Moreover, in addition to compensation for a Wizz Air flight delay, for example, you are also entitled to:

• Food and beverages.
• Accommodation, if the delay extends overnight.
• Financial compensation if the delay exceeds 3 hours.

What Happens if the Delay Is Over 5 Hours?

In this case, you have the right to cancel your trip and receive a return ticket to the departure point at no additional cost. You can also ask the airline to provide you with a hotel room.

If the flight delay resulted in unexpected costs, such as missing a hotel reservation, you can recover these additional expenses from the airline, along with the compensation for the Wizz Air flight delay.

Compensation for Delayed Flights in the USA

In case of a delayed flight within the United States:

1. Present your travel documents!
   Show your boarding pass and any other relevant travel documents at the airline's information desk. If you don’t have your boarding pass, present any other travel document that includes your flight reservation code (a 6-letter and number combination).

2. Request assistance!
   You are entitled to request food, water, and access to restrooms in case of delays on the runway.
   If the flight is delayed while you’re on board, the airline must offer these amenities within 2 hours.
   After 3 hours (4 hours for international flights), you have the right to deplane, except in cases of force majeure.

3. Negotiate compensation for the delayed flight!

   
   

What Are the Airlines' Obligations in the Case of a Delayed Flight?

In addition to being able to recover funds due to a delayed flight, airlines have other obligations toward their passengers:

• You have the right to be promptly and accurately informed about any flight delays. Airlines are required to provide information about the estimated duration of the delay and the reasons behind it. They must ensure that you have all the necessary details to make informed decisions and travel plans.
• Airlines must offer assistance. If your flight is delayed for several hours, the airline must ensure your comfort during the wait. This includes providing snacks and beverages, access to facilities such as phones and email, and, if necessary, accommodation.
• If the flight delay requires an overnight stay, the airline is responsible for providing accommodation and transportation between the airport and the hotel.
• If you incur additional costs due to the flight delay, such as extra taxi expenses, the airline is obligated to cover these costs. To claim a refund, it’s important to keep all relevant receipts and invoices.

Under EU Regulation 261, You Have the Right to Compensation for Vacation Packages

This right applies to both domestic flights within EU member states and flights scheduled to destinations outside the EU. Through this regulation, the European Union has established a set of rules regarding compensation in case of flight cancellations or delays, ensuring fair treatment for all passengers.

It is crucial that the vacation package you purchased contains clear information about the flight route, destination, and the mode of transportation used. Missing this information may result in ineligibility for compensation.

As for the responsibilities of the travel organizer, they must inform you in writing about the flight schedule and the locations of connections and layovers. If these responsibilities are not properly fulfilled, you might be entitled to greater compensation than the standard amount.

Get Compensation for Delayed Flights with AirClaim!

With AirClaim, you have nothing to lose. The application is completely free. ZERO commission if you are not compensated for the delayed flight!

We understand how valuable your time is, and we strive to save it by handling the entire process of recovering funds for delayed flights. That way, you can focus on other important aspects of your life, while we take care of claiming compensation for the delayed flight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Compensation for Delayed Flights

I missed my connecting flight due to a delay. Am I entitled to compensation?
Yes, the condition is that the delay at your final destination is at least 3 hours. It’s important to note that one of the most crucial conditions for claiming flight delay compensation is that both flights must have the same reservation number.

My flight was delayed. What should I do?
Request clear information about the reason for the delay from an airline representative. Note the time when you were informed about the delay, as well as the estimated departure time. Make sure to keep all relevant flight-related documents, including your boarding pass, ticket, and any notifications from the airline. If the delay lasted more than 3 hours, complete the flight delay compensation form on AirClaim!

What documents are required to claim compensation for a delayed flight?
The flight number, the names of the departure and arrival airports, and one of the following documents: boarding pass, ticket, or (if applicable) the online flight booking confirmation.