How long was my flight delayed for? Learn how to work out whether you are entitled to compensation from your airline, and how much you are able to claim, based on the length and destination of your flight and how long a delay occurred. Make sure you receive what you are entitled to, as quickly and easily as possible.
Delayed Flights and Compensation
A delayed flight is an annoyance at the best of times, while at the worst it can mean missing a connecting flight, part of your holiday, or an important event. Most people know that they are entitled to compensation if a flight is delayed, but how do you work out the length of delay to ensure you are properly compensated?
Am I Entitled to Compensation?
If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, you have the right to compensation. If the delay is over five hours, you can refuse to board the plane without losing your right to compensation for the delay.
Why Was My Flight Delayed?
There are many reasons for a flight being delayed, including bad weather, a problem with the aircraft or crew, or a strike by airport workers. Some issues are the fault of the airline, while others are not. For circumstances such as bad weather, or political instability in the destination country, the airline is not obliged to offer compensation.
How Long Was My Flight Delayed?
The most important question to ask yourself is How long was my flight delayed by? This will affect the amount of compensation you can claim. To work out the length of delay, you need to compare your arrival time at the destination airport with the time of arrival shown on your boarding pass and other travel documentation. The official arrival time of the aircraft is the moment the doors open to allow passengers to disembark.
How Much Can I Claim?
The amount of compensation you will receive following a delay of three hours of more depends on a number of factors, including the distance covered by the delayed flight and whether the flight is within the European Union or outside it. The amounts by flight length are as follows:
- Flights up to 1,500 km: €250
- Flights in the EU over 1,500 km and flights in the rest of the world between 1,500 and 3,500 km: €400
- Flights over 3,500 km: €600
The maximum amount of compensation you can claim is €600.
What About Low Cost Airlines?
Budget airlines are bound by the same rules as any other airline, but it can sometimes seem as if they make it particularly tricky to claim compensation. You are entitled to a refund, or an alternative flight, if your flight is delayed for more than five hours. If your flight is delayed for a long time, you are entitled to food and drink, even if these are not provided free on your flight, and if there is no alternative flight until the next day, you should be given overnight accommodation. Find out more about claiming compensation from low cost airlines.