AI Flight Refunds: Get Your Compensation Fast and Hassle-Free with Advanced Technology (Get started for free)
What are the rules for flight delay compensation, and can you get a refund if your flight is delayed?
Under EU regulation 261/2004, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation for flight delays of more than 3 hours, depending on the flight distance.
For flights within the EU, passengers can get €250 for delays of over 3 hours on flights up to 1,500 km, and €400 for flights over 1,500 km.
For flights outside the EU between 1,500-3,500 km, the compensation is also €400, while flights over 3,500 km can get €600.
Passengers are only eligible if the delay is the airline's responsibility, not due to extraordinary circumstances like severe weather.
If a flight is delayed by 5 hours or more, passengers can opt for a full refund of their ticket instead of compensation.
Airlines must provide food, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary during long delays, in addition to informing passengers of their rights.
In the US, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to promptly issue refunds within 7 business days for credit card payments and 20 days for cash/check.
Newly announced DOT rules in 2024 state airlines must provide cash refunds, not just travel vouchers, for flight delays of 3+ hours for domestic and 6+ hours for international.
Airlines are now required to automatically rebook passengers on the same or partner airlines at no additional cost for significant delays.
Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report must receive a refund of their checked bag fee if the bag is not delivered within 12 hours domestically or 15 hours internationally.
To claim compensation, passengers must keep all documentation related to the flight delay, such as boarding passes and receipts for expenses.
The process for filing a claim can be done directly with the airline or through third-party services, which may increase the chances of successful compensation.
Compensation rules can vary by airline, so passengers should review each airline's specific policies when experiencing a flight delay or cancellation.
Studies show only about 1 in 4 eligible passengers actually file for flight delay compensation, often due to lack of awareness of their rights.
The EU's compensation rules apply to all flights departing from an EU airport, as well as flights arriving at an EU airport operated by an EU airline.
Airlines are not required to provide compensation if the delay is caused by an "extraordinary circumstance" outside their control, such as air traffic control strikes or political unrest.
The specific definition of a "significant delay" that triggers compensation can vary between countries and airlines, so passengers should check the details.
In addition to delays, passengers may also be entitled to compensation for flight cancellations, denied boarding, and long tarmac delays under different regulations.
Experts recommend passengers familiarize themselves with their rights and document everything when experiencing a disruptive flight, as this can improve their chances of successful compensation claims.
AI Flight Refunds: Get Your Compensation Fast and Hassle-Free with Advanced Technology (Get started for free)