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Know Your Passenger Rights

Flight Delay Compensation Guide

Delayed or cancelled flight? You may be owed up to $700 in compensation. Our guide covers EU261, US DOT rules, and step-by-step instructions for claiming what you're owed.

$700
Max EU Compensation
3+ hrs
EU261 Threshold
EU + US
Regulations Covered
6 yrs
EU Claim Window

EU261 REGULATION

EC Regulation 261/2004 protects passengers on flights departing from EU airports or arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline. It covers delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.

When You're Eligible

  • Flight departs from any EU/EEA airport (any airline)
  • Flight arrives in EU/EEA on an EU-based carrier
  • Arrival delayed by 3+ hours at final destination
  • Flight cancelled less than 14 days before departure
  • Denied boarding due to overbooking

Extraordinary Circumstances

Airlines don't have to pay if the disruption was caused by:

  • Severe weather (storms, volcanic ash, blizzards)
  • Air traffic control restrictions or strikes
  • Security threats or political instability
  • Bird strikes or hidden manufacturing defects

Note: Technical issues and crew shortages are NOT extraordinary circumstances.

EU261 COMPENSATION AMOUNTS

Compensation depends on the flight distance. Amounts are per passenger and are fixed by regulation.

Flight Distance Delay Threshold Compensation
Short-haul
Up to 1,500 km
 3+ hours €250
~$275 USD
Medium-haul
1,500 - 3,500 km
 3+ hours €400
~$440 USD
Long-haul
Over 3,500 km
 4+ hours €600
~$660 USD

If offered re-routing and you arrive within 2-4 hours of the original arrival time (depending on distance), the airline may reduce compensation by 50%.

US DOT RULES

US passenger protections differ from EU rules. While there's no automatic cash compensation for delays, the DOT has strengthened rules on cancellations and tarmac delays.

Cancellation Refunds

Airlines must provide automatic cash refunds for cancelled flights and significant schedule changes. No more voucher-only offers. This applies to all airlines operating in the US.

Tarmac Delay Rules

Domestic flights: passengers must be allowed to deplane after 3 hours. International flights: after 4 hours. Airlines must provide food, water, and working lavatories within 2 hours.

2024 Rule Updates

The DOT now requires airlines to clearly disclose all fees upfront, provide automatic refunds within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 days (other payment), and cover delayed baggage fees.

US vs EU: Key Difference

Unlike EU261, the US does not mandate fixed cash compensation for delays. However, if your flight departs from an EU airport, EU261 applies regardless of the airline's nationality. Many US travelers flying to/from Europe are eligible for EU compensation.

HOW TO CLAIM

STEP 1

Check Eligibility

Verify your flight qualifies: EU departure or EU carrier arrival, delayed 3+ hours, cancelled within 14 days, or denied boarding. Not caused by extraordinary circumstances.

STEP 2

Gather Documents

Collect your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any communications from the airline about the delay or cancellation. Note the actual arrival time.

STEP 3

File Your Claim

Contact the airline directly first. If rejected, escalate to the national enforcement body (NEB) in the country of departure, or use a claims management service.

Know Before You Fly

FlightQueue uses historical data and real-time analytics to predict if your flight might be delayed. Check delay probabilities before you book and plan accordingly.

CHECK DELAY DATA LIVE FAA DELAYS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much compensation can I get for a delayed flight?
Under EU261, you can receive between €250 and €600 depending on flight distance. Short-haul flights (under 1,500 km) qualify for €250, medium-haul (1,500-3,500 km) for €400, and long-haul (over 3,500 km) for €600. This is per passenger, including children.
Does EU261 apply to flights from the US?
EU261 only applies to flights departing from an EU/EEA airport on any airline, or flights arriving in the EU/EEA on an EU-based carrier. A flight from New York to London on British Airways would be covered, but the same route on American Airlines would not.
How long do I have to claim compensation?
The time limit varies by country. In most EU countries it is 2-3 years, but in the UK it is 6 years and in some countries like Belgium it can be up to 1 year. File as soon as possible after your disrupted flight.
Can the airline refuse to pay?
Airlines can refuse if the disruption was caused by "extraordinary circumstances" outside their control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or security threats. However, technical problems and crew shortages are NOT considered extraordinary circumstances.
What if the airline offers vouchers instead of cash?
You have the right to request cash compensation under EU261. Airlines cannot force you to accept vouchers, meal credits, or frequent flyer miles instead of the monetary compensation you are entitled to.
Do US airlines have to pay compensation for delays?
The US does not have EU261-style mandatory compensation for delays. However, US airlines must provide automatic cash refunds for cancellations and significant schedule changes. For tarmac delays, passengers must be allowed to deplane after 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international).
Can I claim for a connecting flight delay?
Yes. If your journey was booked as a single itinerary and you arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late due to a missed connection, you can claim for the entire journey based on the total distance to your final destination.
What about denied boarding compensation?
If you are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to the same EU261 compensation amounts plus the airline must offer you a choice between a refund, re-routing at the earliest opportunity, or re-routing at a later date of your choosing.

Know Before You Fly

Check real-time delay data and predictions before your next trip with FlightQueue.

Explore Delay Data