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What is a flight delay and when does it qualify for compensation?
In the EU, there is a right to compensation for arrival delays of 3 hours or more.
The amount of compensation depends on the flight route and not on the price of the flight ticket or the reason for the trip. Here are the most important points:
- 1. independent of ticket price and reason for travel:
The amount of compensation is independent of how much the passenger paid for the ticket or the reason for the trip. Business travelers as well as holidaymakers and individual travelers have the same entitlement.
- 2. compensation for babies and children:
It is important to note that babies and children are also entitled to compensation, provided a ticket was purchased for them. Children who fly free of charge are excluded from compensation.
- compensation amounts according to flight distance:
o Short-haul (up to 1,500 kilometers): 250 euros per person
o Medium-haul (1,500 to 3,500 kilometers): 400 euros per person
o Long-haul (over 3,500 kilometers): 600 euros per person
However, it is important to note that in certain cases, such as exceptional circumstances beyond the airline’s control (such as bad weather or strikes), no compensation is payable.
What rights do I have as a passenger in the event of a flight delay?
A distinction must be made here between departure delays and arrival delays.
Departure delay:
From 2 hours departure delay on a short-haul flight, i.e. up to 1,500 kilometers
| Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time, i.e. drinks and snacks + 2 free phone calls or emails |
From 3 hours departure delay for a medium-haul flight, i.e. up to 3,500 kilometers
| Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time, i.e. drinks and snacks + 2 free phone calls or emails |
From 4 hours departure delay on a long-haul flight, i.e. over 3,500 kilometers
| Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time, i.e. drinks and snacks + 2 free phone calls or emails |
From 5 hours departure delay (for all routes, i.e. short, medium and long-haul flights)
| Passenger can cancel the flight against reimbursement of the ticket costs
|
Departure only on the next day
| Entitlement to hotel accommodation (3-star) and transportation to the hotel and back to the airport |
From 3 hours arrival delay:
Up to 1500 KM | 250 Euro per person |
Between 1500 KM and 3500 KM | 400 Euro per person |
Over 3500 KM | 600 Euro per person |
The EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 sets out certain rights for air passengers, including compensation for delays, cancellations and denied boarding. The amount of compensation depends on various factors, but not on the price of the ticket or the reason for the journey. Here are the basic rules for compensation amounts:
- For flights up to 1500 kilometers: Passengers can claim compensation of 250 euros.
- For flights within the EU over 1500 kilometers and for all other flights between 1500 and 3500 kilometers: Compensation is 400 euros.
- For flights that are not within the EU and are more than 3500 kilometers: The compensation can be up to 600 euros.
Both babies and children for whom a ticket has been purchased are also entitled to compensation. These rules apply regardless of whether it is a business trip, an individual trip or a package vacation.
Check here free of charge and without obligation whether you are entitled to compensation
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What requirements must be met in order to receive compensation for a flight delay?
- Punctual arrival at check-in: You should arrive at the airport in good time to check in. You should usually be at the check-in desk at least 45 minutes before departure or according to the airline’s instructions.
- Arrival at destination more than three hours late: You arrived at your destination more than three hours late.
- Limitation period of three years: Claims arising from the flight delay expire three years after the end of the year in which the flight took place
- Responsibility of the airline for the delay: The delay was caused by the airline, for example due to a technical problem with the aircraft or sick flight crew.
- Geographical requirements for the flight: Your flight must either have taken off in the EU (applies to all airlines) or landed in the EU (only for airlines based in the EU).
- You must have a valid ticket and booking confirmation.
By far the most important requirement: Make sure you arrive on time for check-in!
How can I claim compensation for a flight delay?
Our compensation calculator allows you to check quickly and without obligation whether you are entitled to compensation for your delayed flight. As soon as your claims have been determined, online claim will take care of enforcing them. The big advantage for you: you receive your compensation minus our commission of 22% plus VAT, regardless of whether we successfully enforce the claim against the airline. This means no financial risk for you. You bear no costs and are not dependent on our success in court.
Are there any exceptions where no compensation is paid for a flight delay?
Airlines do not have to pay you a compensation if your flight delay was caused by events beyond their control, such as strikes by airport staff, extreme weather conditions, or political unrest. Despite these challenges, airlines are obliged to provide you with basic care.
However, caution is advised as some airlines may use such exceptional circumstances as an excuse to avoid paying compensation. At online claim, we specialize in investigating such cases. We use extensive flight databases to determine exactly whether the delay was really justified by such circumstances.
A ruling by the European Court of Justice on June 11, 2020 also clarified that an airline is not exempt from payment simply by mentioning an extraordinary circumstance. It must prove that all possible measures were actually taken to ensure that you as a passenger were offered alternative transportation as quickly as possible. This also includes checking the possibility of rebooking flights with other airlines or using other means of transport such as buses or trains to get you to your destination more quickly. If you have any uncertainties or questions, we are always on hand at online claim to protect and support your rights.
How long does it usually take until I receive my compensation through online claim in the event of a flight delay?
If we offer you immediate compensation, you will receive your money within 3 business days after submitting all the required documents.
If it is not clear whether extraordinary circumstances might favor the airline, we will pursue your claim directly against the airline. In this case, we will pay you the compensation as soon as the claim has been successfully enforced.
Can I claim further costs such as hotel accommodation or meals in addition to the compensation?
From 2 hours departure delay on a short-haul flight, i.e. up to 1,500 kilometers
| Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time, i.e. drinks and snacks + 2 free phone calls or emails |
From 3 hours departure delay for a medium-haul flight, i.e. up to 3,500 kilometers
| Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time, i.e. drinks and snacks + 2 free phone calls or emails |
From 4 hours departure delay on a long-haul flight, i.e. over 3,500 kilometers
| Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time, i.e. drinks and snacks + 2 free phone calls or emails |
From 5 hours departure delay (for all routes, i.e. short, medium and long-haul flights)
| Passenger can cancel the flight against reimbursement of the ticket costs
|
Departure only on the next day
| Entitlement to hotel accommodation (3-star) and transportation to the hotel and back to the airport |
What can I do if the airline refuses to pay my compensation?
online claim buys the claim you have against the airline. If the airline does not pay compensation, you keep your money. You do not have to pay anything back to online claim. We take the risk for you!
Are there deadlines within which I must apply for compensation in the event of a flight delay?
In the EU, there is no set deadline by which you must apply for compensation in the event of a flight delay. In Germany, however, the limitation period is based on the German Civil Code (BGB), which means that you have three years to assert your claims. This period begins at the end of the year in which the delay occurred.
What types of flights are covered by flight delay compensation?
The reason for your trip is completely irrelevant. Whether you are on a business trip, traveling individually or enjoying a package vacation – in all these cases you are equally entitled to compensation in the event of a flight delay.
Does the compensation also apply to connecting flights that were missed due to a delay to the previous flight?
If you miss your connecting flight due to a delay to your feeder flight and therefore arrive at your destination three hours or more later than planned, the EU Passenger Rights Regulation entitles you to compensation of between 250 and 600 euros, depending on the flight distance. You are also entitled to assistance such as meals at the airport.
Connecting flights can often be hectic and even a small delay can cause you to miss your connection. Fortunately, EU air passenger law protects travelers in just such situations and provides you with financial compensation to ease the inconvenience.
Can I also receive compensation for a flight delay if I have missed my flight?
If you miss your flight because the security check takes an unexpectedly long time, the responsibility for this lies with the state and not with the airline or the airport. In such a case, you can claim damages from the federal government and apply for compensation. This gives you the security of knowing that you will not be stuck with the costs if the security processes are delayed.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is important that you can prove that you were at the airport in good time. Witnesses, such as fellow travelers, or photos of the display boards with the current time can help to substantiate your claims. This will give you a stronger basis to enforce your claim for compensation.
Can I get flight delay compensation if my flights were operated by different airlines?
If your flight delay causes you to miss a connecting flight and therefore arrive at your final destination with a total delay of three hours or more, you have a valid claim for compensation. It does not matter whether the individual flights were operated by different airlines. The decisive factor is that all flights were part of a single booking. If the flights in question were purchased as part of a jointly booked flight plan, the airline is liable for compensation.
Are there differences in the compensation regulations depending on the country?
Flights departing within the European Union, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland
European passenger rights under EU Regulation EC 261/2004 apply to all flights departing within the European Union, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland. This regulation defines the rights of passengers and offers protection in the event of flight delays, cancellations or overbooking.
Conditions for entitlement to compensation
- place of departure: The regulation applies to flights departing from within the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, regardless of the airline or destination country.
- place of arrival: If the flight departs from outside the EU but arrives in the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, the regulation only applies if the flight is operated by an EU airline.
Flights departing from outside the European Union
EU Regulation EC 261/2004 also covers flights departing outside the EU, provided that certain conditions are met:
- place of arrival: the flight must land in one of the EU countries, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland.
- operating airline: The flight must be operated by an airline that has its headquarters in the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland.
Examples:
Not eligible: From Miami to Berlin with an American airline. In this case, EU Regulation EC 261/2004 does not apply, as the flight is operated by an American airline.
Eligible: From Miami to Berlin with a German airline. In this case, EU Regulation EC 261/2004 applies, as the flight lands in the EU and the airline has its headquarters in the EU.
Check here free of charge and without obligation whether you are entitled to compensation
Check your compensation claim online in just 2 minutes
Can I receive compensation for a flight delay even if the flight was canceled due to extraordinary circumstances?
Flight delays and cancellations are always annoying for travelers, but under certain conditions airlines are not obliged to pay compensation. These conditions are referred to as “extraordinary circumstances” and are regulated in Article 5 of the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EC) 261/2004.
Your rights in the event of flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather:
If severe storms, dense fog or an ash cloud make an (otherwise punctual) flight impossible, air travelers are generally not entitled to compensation. Bad weather is one of the extraordinary circumstances that airlines cannot influence or prevent. Even if “all reasonable measures were taken to prevent the delays or cancellations”, compensation may not be paid, as stipulated in the EU regulation.
Other extraordinary circumstances
In addition to bad weather, there are other circumstances that are considered extraordinary:
- Natural disasters: Events such as earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions can affect flights and qualify as extraordinary circumstance
- Strikes: Strikes by air traffic controllers or airport staff that are beyond the airline’s control may also be considered exceptional circumstances.
- Terrorist attacks and security risks: In the event of terrorist attacks or increased security risks that affect air traffic, airlines are also exempt from the obligation to pay compensation.
- Technical problems: Unexpected technical problems caused by manufacturing faults or unavoidable defects can be considered extraordinary circumstances if the airline can prove that it has taken all reasonable measures to rectify the problem.
Review of compensation claims
However, it is not uncommon for airlines to use extraordinary circumstances as an excuse not to pay compensation. This is where online claim comes in. We check exactly what caused the flight problem. We are committed to ensuring that travelers can exercise their right to compensation, provided that no extraordinary circumstance is involved.
Can I receive compensation for a flight delay even if I have already been offered alternative transportation?
Yes, it is possible to receive compensation for a flight delay even if alternative transportation has been offered, depending on the circumstances.
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers have the right to compensation if their flight is delayed by more than three hours, unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances. This also applies if you were offered alternative transportation and despite this transportation you are significantly delayed (more than three hours) at your destination.
The amount of compensation depends on the flight route and is between 250 and 600 euros. However, it should be noted that the amount of compensation can be halved if the delay caused by the alternative transportation does not exceed four hours.
In addition to compensation, in such cases you are also entitled to care services such as meals, drinks and, if necessary, accommodation.
What documents or evidence are required to claim compensation for a flight delay?
In order to successfully submit a flight delay compensation claim, you should send us certain documents digitally or by other means.
- Flight ticket:
The flight ticket proves that you were booked on the affected flight. Keep it to prove your participation.
- Boarding pass or e-ticket:
The boarding pass or e-ticket shows that you were actually on board the flight. These documents are crucial for your claim.
- Booking confirmation:
If you booked through an online platform or travel agency, you should be able to show the booking confirmation.
- Travel documents:
Your passport or identity card is used to confirm your identity. Have it ready.
- Proof of the delay:
Document the flight delay accurately. Gather information such as the actual departure and arrival times, the duration of the delay and the reason for it. A photo of the display board at the airport or a confirmation from the staff can be helpful.
- Flight number:
Make a note of the flight number
Tips at the airport
- Gather information:
Keep up to date with the current situation and make a note of all relevant information.
- Speak to staff:
Speak to the airline staff to obtain information about the cause of the delay and get this confirmed in writing.
- Keep receipts:
Keep all receipts, boarding passes and confirmations carefully.
Is there a maximum period of time within which I must apply for compensation for a flight delay?
Yes, there is a maximum period of time within which you must claim your flight delay compensation in accordance with EU Regulation 261/2004. This time period varies depending on the country where the airport or airline is located. In Germany, for example, you have three years to apply for compensation. In other countries, the time limit may vary. It is advisable to submit the claim as soon as possible after the incident to ensure that you receive the compensation.
How can I find out about my rights and entitlements in the event of a flight delay?
In the event of a flight delay, you may be entitled to compensation or assistance under EU Regulation 261/2004, which governs passenger rights in the European Union. Here are some steps to inform yourself about rights and entitlements:
check EU Regulation 261/2004:
o EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to all flights within the EU, to flights operated by an EU airline and to flights departing from outside the EU and arriving in the EU.
o The regulation governs compensation in the event of flight delays, cancellations or overbooking.
contact the airline:
o The airline is obliged to provide information about rights and possible compensation.
o Some airlines have special pages on their website explaining passenger rights.
use online tools:
o There are various websites and apps that help to calculate compensation and make claims.
o Examples are “Flightright”, “online claim” or “AirHelp”. These services can process the compensation claim for a fee.
contact a consumer advice center:
o Consumer centers often offer support and advice on passenger rights.
o In Germany, for example, it is possible to contact the consumer advice center or the “European Consumer Center”.
inform yourself about official sources:
o The European Commission has its own website explaining passenger rights in the EU.
o The German Federal Ministry of Justice also offers information on air passenger rights.
write a letter of complaint:
o If the airline refuses to pay compensation, a formal letter of complaint can be sent to the airline.
o There are templates for such letters online that can be used to make claims clearly and formally.
Consider taking legal action:
o If the airline does not respond to the claims, legal action can also be considered.
o Smaller claims can often be handled through local district courts or arbitration procedures.
It is important to keep all relevant documents, including flight tickets, boarding passes and communication history with the airline, as they can serve as evidence.