Few things are as frustrating as arriving at the airport ready for your trip, only to see the word “delayed” appear next to your flight number. A delay can ruin travel plans, cause missed connections, and leave you waiting for hours in the terminal.
But while the experience is never pleasant, the good news is that you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding your rights can make all the difference when your flight doesn’t depart on time.
Why flights are delayed
Delays can happen for many reasons — bad weather, air traffic restrictions, technical issues, or crew shortages. Some causes, like storms or airport closures, are beyond the airline’s control. Others, however, are the airline’s responsibility, such as mechanical problems or operational delays. That distinction is key, because only delays caused by the airline can make you eligible for compensation.
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers flying from or within the EU, or on an EU airline, have strong protection. If your flight is delayed by three hours or more on arrival, you may be entitled to a cash payment ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance.
When you’re stuck at the airport unsure of what to do next, it helps to check your eligibility quickly and easily. On flight delay compensation you can find out if your flight qualifies and how to file a claim without dealing with complicated paperwork.
What you’re entitled to during a delay
While you wait, the airline must provide basic assistance, including meals, drinks, and access to communication. For longer delays, you may even be entitled to hotel accommodation and transportation between the airport and the hotel. Always keep receipts for any expenses, as they can support your claim later.
If your delay extends beyond five hours, you can also choose to cancel your journey and receive a full refund instead. This applies whether you decide to travel later or abandon the trip altogether.
How to claim compensation
Many travellers don’t realise that they can still file a claim even months after the flight. The process can be done online, and specialist services can handle it for you, ensuring the airline pays what it owes. You simply provide your flight details, and the service checks your eligibility, files the claim, and follows up until you receive your compensation.
The entire process is risk-free, as most providers work on a no-win, no-fee basis. That means you only pay if your claim is successful.
Stay calm and travel smart
A delayed flight can be stressful, but knowing your rights gives you control. Instead of feeling powerless, you can take action, claim what you’re owed, and even turn an annoying situation into a positive outcome.
Next time your flight is delayed, don’t just wait it out — use your passenger rights to your advantage. Understanding how flight delay compensation works could help you recover money and make sure your next journey starts off right.