Everything you need to know about EU Regulation 261/2004
EU Regulation 261/2004 protects passengers flying within, to, or from the European Union. Here's what you need to know.
If your flight arrived at your final destination more than 3 hours late, you may be entitled to compensation between €250 and €600, depending on the distance of your flight.
The delay is measured at the time of arrival (when the aircraft doors open), not at the scheduled departure time.
If your flight was cancelled and you were informed less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, you are likely entitled to compensation.
If the airline offered an alternative flight, compensation may still apply if you arrived more than 2–4 hours late (depending on distance).
If you were denied boarding against your will due to overbooking, you are entitled to compensation — unless you voluntarily gave up your seat in exchange for benefits offered by the airline.
If you missed a connecting flight because your first flight was delayed, and you arrived at your final destination more than 3 hours late, you may be entitled to compensation — provided the flights were booked under a single reservation.
The regulation covers: (a) Any flight departing from an EU/EEA airport, regardless of airline, and (b) any flight arriving at an EU/EEA airport, if operated by an EU/EEA-based airline. This includes Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK (for EU-departing flights).
Airlines do NOT have to pay if the disruption was caused by events beyond their control, such as severe weather, political instability, or air traffic control strikes. However, technical faults, airline staff shortages, and airline strikes are NOT valid excuses.
| Flight Distance | Delay at Arrival | Compensation | Example Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 3+ hours | €250 | London–Paris, Berlin–Rome, Dublin–Barcelona |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | 3+ hours | €400 | London–Athens, Paris–Istanbul, Oslo–Lisbon |
| Over 3,500 km | 3–4 hours | €300 | Frankfurt–New York, Paris–Bangkok |
| Over 3,500 km | 4+ hours | €600 | London–Tokyo, Amsterdam–Los Angeles |
Even while you're waiting, airlines have obligations to look after you.
For delays of 2+ hours (short flights) or 3+ hours (medium flights), the airline must provide free meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time.
If your flight is delayed overnight or cancelled with a next-day rebooking, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport to and from the hotel.
Airlines must offer two free phone calls, emails, or faxes while you're waiting at the airport due to a delay or cancellation.
You have legal rights — let us help you exercise them. Start your claim now and get the compensation you're owed.
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