Flight delays are a common frustration for travellers across Europe. Whether you’re heading on a much-awaited holiday, travelling for work, or visiting family, a delayed or cancelled flight can quickly derail your plans. Fortunately, if your journey is covered under EU Regulation 261/2004, you could be entitled to Flight Delay Compensation – often between €250 and €600 – depending on your flight distance and the length of the delay. Understanding how these rules work can help ensure you don’t miss out on what you’re owed.
When Does a Flight Delay Qualify for Compensation?
EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to flights that depart from any airport within the EU, as well as flights arriving in the EU on an EU-registered airline (for example, Lufthansa, Air France, or KLM). The regulation also extends to flights departing from Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, even though they aren’t EU member states.
To qualify for compensation, your flight must have arrived at least three hours later than scheduled at your final destination. The regulation focuses on arrival time – specifically, when the aircraft doors open – rather than departure time.
However, airlines are exempt from paying compensation if they can prove that the delay was due to “extraordinary circumstances” beyond their control. Examples include severe weather conditions, political instability, air traffic control strikes, or security risks. Routine technical faults, however, usually do not count as extraordinary circumstances, meaning the airline could still be liable.
How Much Can You Claim?
The compensation amount depends on both the distance of your flight and the length of delay:
- Flights up to 1,500 km: Up to €250
- Intra-EU flights over 1,500 km or other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: Up to €400
- Flights over 3,500 km: Up to €600
For example, if your flight from Paris to Rome (less than 1,500 km) arrives more than three hours late, you may be entitled to €250. But a long-haul flight from Frankfurt to New York could earn you €600 if it’s delayed by a similar margin.
Steps to Take After a Delay
Confirm eligibility: Check that your flight falls under the EU regulation and that the delay exceeds three hours.
Keep your documents: Save your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any airline notifications.
Submit your claim: You can file directly with the airline or use a third-party service that handles the process for you.
Know your immediate rights: For delays over two hours, airlines must provide refreshments, meals, and access to communication. For long delays or cancellations, they must also offer accommodation and transport options.
Why Consider Using Lennuabi
Navigating compensation claims can be time-consuming, and airlines often resist paying without clear evidence. Lennuabi, a Europe-based flight compensation specialist, helps travellers manage their claims efficiently. They’ve handled thousands of cases and typically require just a few minutes of your time to start the process. Their expertise ensures that eligible travellers don’t lose their rights due to technicalities or missed deadlines.
Final Thoughts
A delayed flight across Europe doesn’t have to mean lost time and lost money. Thanks to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers have strong legal protections – but it’s up to you to act. Keep your travel records, understand your entitlements, and file your claim while the details are still fresh. And if you prefer to avoid the administrative hassle, letting a specialist like Lennuabi handle the process can make securing your compensation quick, fair, and stress-free.
