Delayed Flights – Know Your Rights
Delays of 3+ hours may entitle you to compensation, depending on the route and airline.
Updated: 2025-06-27
When do you have the right to compensation?
Under EU Regulation 261/2004 and UK261, you may receive €250 to €600 if:
- Your flight arrived at the final destination with a delay of 3+ hours
- The flight departed from the EU or the UK, or landed there with an European or British airline
- The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, strikes)
| Flight Distance | Delay at Arrival | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 1,500 km | ≥ 3 hours | €250 |
| 1,500 - 3,500 km | ≥ 3 hours | €400 |
| > 3,500 km (non-EU flight) | 3 - 4 hours | €300 |
| > 3,500 km (non-EU flight) | ≥ 4 hours | €600 |
What about flights outside Europe?
Even if your flight wasn’t in Europe, you still have rights in many countries:
- Canada: If you were flying to, from, or within Canada, and the delay was the airline’s fault, you may get $400 to $1,000 CAD.
- Brazil: Airlines must assist you and sometimes pay extra for long delays.
- United States: U.S. law doesn’t require cash compensation for delays, but airlines often offer vouchers, food, or hotel stays if the delay was avoidable.
- Flights in another country: feel free to submit your claim — our experts will review your case and let you know how we can help.
What are you entitled to during a long wait?
Even if you don't qualify for compensation, you still have the right to care while you wait:
- Free meals and drinks
- Hotel stay (if overnight)
- Transport to and from the hotel
- Phone calls or emails to let someone know.
What to do if your flight is delayed
- Keep your boarding pass and all emails or texts from the airline.
- Write down the actual arrival time (when the doors open at your destination).
- Ask the airline what caused the delay.
- Save all receipts for food, transport, or hotels.
- Start your claim — it only takes a few minutes.
Check your flight in under 2 minutes. We’ll tell you if you have a case — and handle the rest.
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