What if my flight is delayed by 3 hours?

Passenger Rights for Flight Delays Exceeding 3 Hours

When air travel plans are disrupted by significant delays, passengers are entitled to certain rights and assistance under EU regulations. Understanding these rights can empower travelers to navigate delays effectively.

Delays Exceeding 3 Hours

For medium-haul flights, any delay of three hours or more triggers passenger rights equivalent to cancellation provisions. This means that airlines are obligated to provide assistance and compensation to affected passengers. The assistance includes:

• Meals and refreshments
• Hotel accommodation if necessary
• Transport between the airport and hotel
• Free phone calls or emails to inform friends or family about the delay

In addition to assistance, passengers are also entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation varies depending on the distance of the flight:

• Flights up to 1,500 km: €250
• Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: €400
• Flights over 3,500 km: €600

Delays Exceeding 5 Hours

If a flight delay exceeds five hours, passengers have the right to a full refund of their ticket price. This applies to both one-way and return flights, even if the passenger chooses not to continue their journey. Passengers can request a refund directly from the airline or through a travel agent.

Additional Considerations

It’s important to note that these rights apply to flights departing from the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. For flights departing from other countries, passenger rights may vary.

Passengers should also be aware that airlines may attempt to avoid paying compensation by claiming “extraordinary circumstances.” However, extraordinary circumstances must be beyond the airline’s control, such as severe weather or security concerns.

If an airline denies compensation or assistance, passengers can file a complaint with the relevant regulatory authority in their country.

Knowing your passenger rights can help you navigate flight delays effectively. By asserting your entitlements, you can ensure that you are treated fairly and compensated appropriately for disruptions to your travel plans.