Delayed or cancelled flight? Get compensation of up to €600. Find out how!

Flight Disruptions under EU Regulations: What Are Your Rights in Case of Flight Delays or Cancellations?

Air travel has become an integral part of our lives in recent years. While everyone hopes for a trouble-free journey, disruptions can occur. Significant flight delays or cancellations can seriously affect your travel plans.

To address and mitigate these situations, the European Union has implemented measures to protect passengers. EU Regulation No. 261/2004 sets out the rules for compensation and protection of passenger rights in cases of flight disruptions, including significant delays, flight cancellations, or denied boarding.

Learn more about your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to if your flight is disrupted.

When and How Does EU Regulation No. 261/2004 Apply?

You are entitled to compensation from the airline in the following cases:

1. Flight Cancellation:

Your flight was canceled, and the airline informed you less than 14 days in advance. Compensation ranges from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and the length of the delay in reaching your final destination.

2. Flight Delay:

Your flight was delayed by more than 3 hours compared to the scheduled arrival time. The delay is calculated based on the planned landing time, not the departure time. Additionally, the delay must not be due to extraordinary circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions or airport staff strikes. Compensation for delayed flights is the same as for canceled flights and depends on the distance between destinations.

3. Denied Boarding (Overbooking):

You were denied boarding by the airline staff due to overbooking. In this case, you are entitled to compensation similar to that for canceled or delayed flights, unless you voluntarily gave up your seat.

4. Missed Connecting Flight:

You missed your connecting flight due to the delay or cancellation of a previous flight. Your journey must be part of a single reservation, meaning one booking reference number. For more information on missed connecting flights, refer to this article.

How to Determine If Your Flight Qualifies for Compensation?

Not every delay or cancellation entitles you to compensation. To qualify, your flight must fall under the jurisdiction of Regulation 261/2004. This means your flight must either depart from an EU airport or land at an EU airport, provided it is operated by an EU-based airline.

My Flight Meets the Conditions. How Do I Claim Compensation for a Delayed Flight?

There are several ways to request compensation for a delayed or canceled flight:

1. Directly Contact the Airline:

You can contact the airline directly on your own. This involves finding the appropriate form on the airline's website to submit your claim (for example, how to claim compensation with Wizz Air is detailed in this article).

After contacting the airline, you will need to wait for their response, which can take days, weeks, or even months. Unfortunately, it's possible that the airline might reject your claim without providing a reason or by citing extraordinary circumstances. In such cases, you can attempt to reach out to the airline's customer support again or hire a lawyer to handle your case. This process can be lengthy and expensive, especially if you do not succeed and incur high legal fees and court costs.

2. Use a Specialized Company - Refundio:

If you prefer to spend your free time on more enjoyable activities, you can hand your case over to experts who will take care of everything for you. Our lawyers deal with airlines daily and understand the entire process thoroughly. We can obtain compensation for your delayed or canceled flight much faster and with a higher success rate than if you pursued the process on your own. In some cases, we can even offer you an advance payment of the compensation, meaning you'll have the amount in your bank account immediately, without any waiting.

If you want to use our services and not worry about anything, just fill out a short form. Our team will immediately contact the airline representatives and begin the process of claiming compensation for your delayed or canceled flight. At Refundio, we helped thousands of passengers get the compensation they deserved.

How Much Compensation Am I Entitled to for a Delayed or Canceled Flight?

The amount of compensation varies depending on the distance between destinations and the length of the delay:

• For flights up to 1,500 kilometers, the compensation is €250.
• For flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, the compensation is €400.
• For flights over 3,500 kilometers (operated between an EU airport and a non-EU airport), passengers are entitled to up to €600.

However, for flights longer than 3,500 kilometers, there is an exception. If the delay is between 3 and 4 hours, the airline has the right to reduce the compensation by 50%, resulting in €300. Full compensation of €600 applies only if the delay exceeds 4 hours.

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The Airline Denied My Compensation Claim. What Can I Do?

If you attempted to resolve the compensation claim on your own and the airline responded that you are not entitled to compensation, don't worry. We can still help you. Our specialists will assess your case and gather sufficient evidence to challenge the airline's decision and secure compensation for your disrupted flight.

Here's how we can assist you:

1. Case Review: Our experts will thoroughly review your case, including any communications with the airline and relevant documentation.
2. Evidence Collection: We will gather all necessary evidence to support your claim, such as flight records, delay reports, and other pertinent information.
3. Challenge the Airline: Using the collected evidence, we will dispute the airline's denial and advocate on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve.
4. Even if the airline initially denies your claim, our experience and expertise increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Let us handle the complexities of the process for you.

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