When you can ask for compensation after a long delay, a cancellation or being bumped — and how to claim.
When the rules apply
European rule EC 261/2004 covers flights that depart from an EU airport, and flights into the EU on an EU airline. The UK has its own almost identical rule. Many other countries have rules of their own, so check the one that applies to your route.
What you can get
Under the EU rule, a delay of three hours or more at arrival, a cancellation announced less than 14 days before departure, or being denied boarding can mean fixed compensation of €250, €400 or €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance.
When airlines don't have to pay
Airlines don't owe compensation for extraordinary circumstances they couldn't avoid, such as severe weather or air-traffic-control strikes. They still have to look after you during long waits, with meals and, if needed, a hotel.
Keep the evidence
Keep your boarding pass and booking, take screenshots of the delay announcements, and keep receipts for anything you had to buy.
Claim yourself or use a service
You can claim directly with the airline for free. Claim services such as AirHelp check your case and handle the claim for you, and take a fee only if you are paid.
