🛫 Delayed flights
If your flight arrived at the final destination delayed, you in many cases have the right to compensation according to EU Regulation 261/2004. But the delay must reach certain thresholds depending on the flight's planned distance:
- ≥ 2 hours delay for flights up to 1,500 km (250 €)
- ≥ 3 hours delay for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km (400 €)
- ≥ 4 hours delay for flights over 3,500 km (600 €)
To have the right to compensation, the delay must have been within the airline's control. If the delay was due to so-called "extraordinary circumstances", for example:
- Extreme weather (snowstorm, hurricane, heavy fog)
- Political unrest
- Security risks or sabotage
- Strikes that do not involve the airline's staff
then the airline is not obliged to pay compensation. However, it is their responsibility to prove that the circumstances were truly extraordinary.
❌ Cancelled flights
If your flight was cancelled at short notice (less than 14 days before planned departure), you usually have the right to compensation. The following conditions must be met:
- The airline has not offered an alternative route that arrives on time
- The cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances
The compensation amounts are the same as for delayed flights: 250 €, 400 €, or 600 € depending on distance. In addition, you have the right to:
- Rebooking to the nearest available flight
- Alternatively: full refund
- Meals, hotel, and transport if needed
Worth knowing is that if the airline announces the cancellation in good time and offers a reasonable alternative – then no compensation is paid.
⛔ Denied boarding
If you are denied boarding the aircraft due to overbooking, and you have not voluntarily given up your seat, you have the right to compensation according to the same scale as above. The airline must also offer:
- Rebooking or refund
- Meals and possible hotel accommodation
- Transport between airport and accommodation
Important: even with denied boarding, the airline has an obligation to inform you of your rights on site, in writing.
Summary for you as a traveler:
- Save boarding passes, receipts, and all communication with the airline
- Note arrival times (actual landing time counts)
- Always ask for a written explanation of the flight problem
- You always have the right to assistance with problems
- We at AirClaimer help you find out what you are entitled to and drive your case all the way until the money is paid out