How many hours does a flight need to be delayed to get compensation?

When Flight Delays Warrant Compensation: A Guide to Passenger Rights

In today’s air travel landscape, flight delays have become an unfortunate reality. However, passengers are often unaware of their rights when it comes to compensation for these inconveniences. This article aims to provide clear guidance on the threshold for flight delays that trigger compensation claims.

Compensation Threshold: Three Hours of Delay

According to industry regulations, airlines are liable for compensation when flight delays exceed three hours. This is a crucial point to remember, as delays of less than three hours do not generally qualify for compensation.

Reckoning Time: Cabin Door Opening

It is important to note that the time for calculating the duration of a delay is not based on the scheduled arrival time or the point at which the airplane touches down. Instead, the key moment is when the cabin door first opens. This is because the delay is considered to have ended once passengers are able to disembark the aircraft.

Airline Responsibility

It is crucial to emphasize that the compensation threshold applies only to flight delays caused by the airline. Factors such as inclement weather, security issues, or air traffic congestion are typically not considered to be the responsibility of the airline and therefore do not trigger compensation claims.

Compensation Entitlements

If a flight delay exceeds three hours and is deemed to be the fault of the airline, passengers are entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation varies depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight.

Filing a Claim

To file a compensation claim, passengers should contact the airline directly. It is important to provide clear documentation of the delay, including the original boarding pass and any communication received from the airline regarding the delay.

Conclusion

Flight delays can be frustrating, but knowing your rights can help you seek fair compensation. By understanding the three-hour threshold and the reckoning time of cabin door opening, passengers can ensure they receive the appropriate compensation when their flights are significantly delayed.