How late does a flight have to be to be compensated?

Passenger Compensation for Flight Delays: Understanding Your Rights

When you book a flight, you expect it to depart and arrive on time. However, delays and cancellations are an unfortunate reality in the aviation industry. In such situations, passengers who experience significant delays may be entitled to compensation from the airline.

Compensation Eligibility

According to industry regulations, airlines are required to provide compensation to passengers for flight delays exceeding three hours. This compensation is applicable if the delay is caused by operational issues within the airline’s control.

Examples of Eligible Delays

• Insufficient staffing
• Mechanical issues
• Crew shortages
• Air traffic delays
• Overbooking
• Adverse weather conditions (if the airline could have reasonably avoided the delay)

Exclusion of Delays

However, not all delays qualify for compensation. Passengers are not entitled to redress for delays caused by factors outside the airline’s control, such as:

• Acts of nature (e.g., extreme weather, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes)
• Security incidents
• Government regulations or strikes
• Passenger negligence or misconduct

Compensation Amounts

The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on the length of the delay and the distance of your flight. The exact regulations vary by jurisdiction, but generally, passengers can expect to receive:

• Delays of 3-4 hours: 250-400 euros
• Delays of 5-6 hours: 400-600 euros
• Delays of 7 or more hours: 600-800 euros

Claiming Compensation

To claim compensation for a delayed flight, you should:

• Contact the airline directly and file a claim.
• Provide evidence of the delay, such as boarding passes, flight confirmation emails, or text messages from the airline.
• Follow the airline’s procedures for claiming compensation.

Note: Airlines may have a time limit for filing claims, typically within 28 days or six months. It is advisable to check the specific regulations for the airline you are flying with.

Conclusion

Flight delays can be frustrating, but knowing your rights as a passenger can help you ensure that you receive fair compensation for significant delays caused by the airline’s operational issues. By understanding the regulations and following the proper procedures, passengers can protect their rights and hold airlines accountable for prolonged delays.