How to Get Flight Compensation

Over the last years, the number of long flight delays has increased dramatically. Read our article to find out how to claim compensation accordingly to EU Regulation 261/2004.

If your flight has been delayed

  1. You can make a compensation claim in two cases. First, if that was a flight departed from an EU airport, no matter whether your airline was EU or not. Second, if you flew with an EU airline to some EU airport. This regards flights regulated by the EFTA as well.
  2. Hypothetically, you can put a claim for any delays happened in 2005 or later. Yet on practice, the airline will probably refuse it if you flew more than 6 years ago.
  3. You have a right to get flight delay compensation only if your flight has been delayed due to the airline’s fault.
  4. Keep an eye on timing: compensation is to be paid only if your flight arrived 3+ hours later than expected regardless of when it departed.
  5. Don’t give up if the airline rejects your claim. If you feel you’re right, make some higher authorities look into your case.
  6. If the customer service on your flight was poor, you may put a claim even if you don’t meet the requirements above.
  7. aircraft

    Image Source: Pixabay

If your flight has been cancelled

  1. Again, check if that was a flight regulated by the EU or the EFTA.
  2. Just like in the case of a delay, you can make a compensation claim for a flight took place less than 6 years ago.
  3. Regardless of the cancellation reasons, you can be refunded for that flight or request an alternative one.
  4. If your flight has been canceled due to the airline’s fault and you choose a re-route, you can get compensation based on the rescheduled arrival time. Likewise, you may request it if the alternative flight timing doesn’t satisfy you.
  5. Compensation amount depends on how long your flight delay was and the distance you travelled.
  6. If you had to give up your flight due to overbooking, the airline actually must pay compensation of the amount you agree on.
Matt

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Matt is Tech blogger. He contributes to the Blogging, Gadgets, Social Media and Tech News section on TechScour.

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