What are the rules for EU261?


What are the rules for EU261? EU Reg 261 requires airlines to compensate passengers when flight delays or cancellations result in passengers reaching their final destination more than three hours later than originally scheduled. Passengers are only entitled to claim compensation if the delay or cancellation was within the airline's control.


How do you get an airline to compensate you?

To receive compensation, you must file a claim with the airline for the delay, and the delay must have been caused by a factor within the airline's control (so a weather delay wouldn't count).


How much is EU261 compensation per passenger?

The EU regulation 261/2004 is concerned with the following: It is intended for passengers who suffer delayed or cancelled flights, overbooking or denied boarding. Depending on the circumstances, and subject to certain conditions, it may give rise to a claim for compensation of between €250 and €600 per person.


What is Article 8 of the EU261?

Article 8Right to reimbursement or re-routing (c)re-routing, under comparable transport conditions, to their final destination at a later date at the passenger's convenience, subject to availability of seats.


Am I eligible for flight delay compensation?

Delayed flights: you may be able to claim compensation if your flight arrived 3 hours or more late. Canceled flights: you may be eligible for compensation if your flight was canceled less than 14 days before it was due to depart.


How long does an airline have to respond to an EU261 claim?

Once you submit the complaint form to the airline, you should wait for their reply. If they fail to get back to you within two months, or you are not satisfied with their reply, you can move on to the next phase of the flight compensation claim.


What is the best airline compensation company?

Our pick of the best flight compensation companies
  • Skycop.com: Top choice overall.
  • AirHelp.com: Most widely recognized.
  • ClaimCompass.eu: Superior value.
  • Flightright.com: Most adaptive.
  • Flight-Delayed.co.uk: Most user-friendly.
  • AirAdvisor.com: Smoothest interface experience.
  • Refundmore.com: Utmost reliability.


What is Article 7 of the EU261?

Article 7 — Right to compensation EUR 250 for all flights of 1500 kilometres or less; EUR 400 for all intra-Community flights of more than 1500 kilometres, and for all other flights between 1500 and 3500 kilometres; EUR 600 for all flights not falling under (a) or (b).


What to do if an airline refuses compensation?

In some cases, international carriers may deny claims based on situations out of their control, such as the aforementioned weather, as well as other issues like labor disputes. In these situations, your only recourse may be hiring legal representation, either through an attorney or a flight delay compensation company.


What is airline denies compensation?

This is called “denied boarding compensation” or “DBC” for short. Most bumped passengers who experience short delays on flights will receive compensation equal to double the one-way price of the flight they were bumped from, but airlines may limit this amount to up to $775.


Can you negotiate with airlines?

Airline tickets even allow some room for negotiation if you're not satisfied with the results when you search for cheap tickets. If you spend a lot on airline tickets every year, and are part of an airline's frequent flier program, you have more leverage than someone who rarely travels.


How do I argue with an airline for compensation?

Send a demand letter to the airline (also known as an airline complaint letter). File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). File a small claims lawsuit against the airline.


Can I sue an airline for mistreatment?

Individuals can sue airlines in small claims court for damages caused by an airline's negligence. For example, damages can arise from personal injuries (for example a broken arm) or from emotional distress caused by an airline's negligent treatment.


Does EU261 apply to USA?

If departing from a non-member country, the airline must be licensed in a Member State. The EU recently expanded this rule to include flights departing from the EU to the U.S. and some other countries, and even connecting flights within the U.S. operated by U.S. partners of EU airlines.


Can I ask for compensation from airline?

Delayed and Canceled Flights
If you find yourself with a delayed flight due to one of these reasons, ask the original airline if it will pay for a ticket on another airline. The DOT does not require the airline to offer compensation, but it doesn't hurt to ask.


How do I claim EU261 compensation?

You'll need to file the claim with the operating airline responsible for the flight delay or cancelation. It can take some time to get a response from an airline, so give it a few weeks to a month or so before following up if you don't get a response.


Is it worth complaining to an airline?

Air travel isn't always fun. Things go wrong. And while you're unlikely to get compensated because a summer thunderstorm made your plane late, it's often worth complaining to the airlines and seeing what you can get for your travel inconveniences.


What are the 3 main rights in the Air passenger Bill of Rights?

In short, the Passengers' Bill of Rights is a piece of legislation that would provide legal protection for fliers in the cases of delays, cancellations, lost baggage, and “junk fees” (in the words of President Joe Biden).


Does EU261 still apply?

EU261 therefore continues, for the foreseeable future, to give passengers the same rights that they had previously. This includes rights created by past EU case law (such as the right to compensation for delay created in the controversial Sturgeon case), which will continue to bind lower UK courts.


Does EU261 cover baggage?

Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Luggage
If your baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged on flights that are covered under EU261, there are protections in place. If your baggage is delayed or lost, you can claim damages up to €1,300 ($1,728 CAD).