Compensation for Travel Inconveniences: Know Your Rights
1. Flight Delays
European Union (EU) Regulation 261/2004
Eligibility:
Applies to flights departing from or arriving in the EU with an EU-based airline.
Compensation is due if the delay exceeds 3 hours upon arrival and is within the airline's control.
Compensation Amount:
€250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
€400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and for all other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
€600 for flights over 3,500 km.
Additional Assistance:
Meals and refreshments.
Accommodation and transportation if an overnight stay is required.
Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Eligibility:
U.S. airlines are not required to compensate for delays but must refund if the flight is significantly delayed and you choose not to travel.
Tarmac Delays:
Airlines must provide passengers with food, water, and restroom access for delays over 2 hours.
Passengers must be allowed to deplane after 3 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights.
Other Jurisdictions
Check Local Regulations:
Different countries have varying rules on compensation for flight delays. Familiarize yourself with the regulations applicable to your flight route.
2. Flight Cancellations
European Union (EU) Regulation 261/2004
Eligibility:
Applies if the cancellation is within the airline’s control and the passenger was not informed at least 14 days in advance.
Compensation Amount:
Same as for flight delays, depending on the flight distance.
Rebooking and Refund:
Right to choose between re-routing to the final destination at the earliest opportunity or a full refund of the ticket price.
Additional Assistance:
Meals, refreshments, accommodation, and transportation as needed.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Eligibility:
Passengers are entitled to a full refund if a flight is canceled, regardless of the reason.
Rebooking:
Airlines may offer rebooking on alternative flights, but passengers can opt for a refund.
Other Jurisdictions
Check Local Regulations:
Compensation and assistance rules for flight cancellations vary by country. Be aware of the regulations relevant to your travel itinerary.
European Union (EU) Regulation 261/2004
Eligibility:
Applies to flights departing from or arriving in the EU with an EU-based airline.
Compensation is due if the delay exceeds 3 hours upon arrival and is within the airline's control.
Compensation Amount:
€250 for flights up to 1,500 km.
€400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and for all other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
€600 for flights over 3,500 km.
Additional Assistance:
Meals and refreshments.
Accommodation and transportation if an overnight stay is required.
Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Eligibility:
U.S. airlines are not required to compensate for delays but must refund if the flight is significantly delayed and you choose not to travel.
Tarmac Delays:
Airlines must provide passengers with food, water, and restroom access for delays over 2 hours.
Passengers must be allowed to deplane after 3 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights.
Other Jurisdictions
Check Local Regulations:
Different countries have varying rules on compensation for flight delays. Familiarize yourself with the regulations applicable to your flight route.
2. Flight Cancellations
European Union (EU) Regulation 261/2004
Eligibility:
Applies if the cancellation is within the airline’s control and the passenger was not informed at least 14 days in advance.
Compensation Amount:
Same as for flight delays, depending on the flight distance.
Rebooking and Refund:
Right to choose between re-routing to the final destination at the earliest opportunity or a full refund of the ticket price.
Additional Assistance:
Meals, refreshments, accommodation, and transportation as needed.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Eligibility:
Passengers are entitled to a full refund if a flight is canceled, regardless of the reason.
Rebooking:
Airlines may offer rebooking on alternative flights, but passengers can opt for a refund.
Other Jurisdictions
Check Local Regulations:
Compensation and assistance rules for flight cancellations vary by country. Be aware of the regulations relevant to your travel itinerary.