Flight delays are often an unwelcome surprise for passengers. However, they can not only upset a traveler’s plan, but also cause financial losses. If you have had a flight delayed for more than three hours in recent years, you may be entitled to compensation.
The European Air Passenger Rights Regulation stipulates that passengers should receive compensation in certain cases. If a flight delay occurs due to circumstances such as technical problems, strikes, bad weather or flight safety reasons, you could be due compensation. Compensation can be up to €600.
As a passenger, you have the right to receive compensation, but enforcement can be complicated. A reliable and experienced law firm can help you review your case and assist you in pursuing your claim to get the money you deserve.
Take advantage of your rights as a passenger and don’t let flight delays stop you from flying. If you have been affected by a flight delay in recent years, you can hope to receive compensation. Contact a law firm for assistance in pursuing your claim.
What is a flight delay?
A flight delay is when an aircraft does not arrive or depart as scheduled and the actual arrival or departure time differs from the time of booking by more than 15 minutes. A delay can have numerous causes, such as technical problems, bad weather, airport strikes or overbooking.
When a flight is delayed, it can cause significant problems for passengers, such as missed connecting flights or delayed arrival at their destination. However, in some cases, passengers can seek compensation or reimbursement if the delay was caused by the airline.
The amount of compensation depends on several factors, such as the length of the delay, the distance of the flight and the destination. In the European Union, there are specific laws and regulations that give passengers the right to compensation for flight delays.
- For flights within the EU and for flights from outside the EU to the EU, passengers are entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros, depending on the length of the delay
- However, airlines can exempt themselves from the compensation obligation if the delay is due to extraordinary circumstances such as strikes, weather conditions or natural disasters
- Passengers should always contact the airline about flight delays and know their rights to possibly receive compensation or a refund
How much compensation is available in the event of a flight delay?
Passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of a flight delay and flight cancellation. The amount of compensation depends on how long the delay lasts and the distance the flight should travel.
In the event of a flight delay of less than three hours, there is generally no entitlement to compensation. In case of a delay of three to four hours, the compensation is usually 250 euros. For a delay of more than four hours and a flight distance of more than 3500 kilometers, the compensation is €600.
However, there are also exceptions and special rules that may affect the amount of compensation. For example, compensation may be reduced or canceled in the event of extraordinary circumstances, such as a severe weather event.
In general, passengers should know their rights in the event of a flight delay or cancellation and claim compensation from the airline. Legal advice can help here to obtain the amount of compensation that is fair to the actual damage.
Under what circumstances are you entitled to compensation for delays?
When it comes to flight delays, passengers are entitled to compensation in certain circumstances. However, it is important to note that the amount of compensation depends on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight.
Passengers are entitled to compensation if they arrive at their destination at least three hours later than scheduled and the airline is responsible for the delay. Low temperatures, storms or pilot absences due to illness are considered extraordinary circumstances and are not grounds for compensation.
For flights within the EU, compensation claims are governed by the EU Passenger Rights Regulation. Here passengers can receive compensation between 250 and 600 euros per person. For flights outside the EU, on the other hand, the Montreal Convention applies, which provides for compensation of a maximum of 4.150 special drawing rights.
- Conclusion: Passengers are entitled to compensation for flight delays if:
- the delay is at least three hours,
- the airline is responsible for the delay,
- there were no extraordinary circumstances, such as storms or the pilot being absent due to illness,
- it is a flight within the EU or outside the EU.
This is how you can get your compensation for flight delays
If your flight is delayed and you are unable to meet your connecting flights or schedules as a result, you may be entitled to compensation from. While there is no guarantee that you will receive compensation, you can assert your rights as a passenger.
First, you should contact your airline and find out if you are entitled to compensation. Usually, this depends on the airline and the circumstances that led to the delay.
- For delays of more than 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600.
- In the event of cancellation or overbooking, you are entitled to compensation of up to €600.
- In case of a delay of more than 5 hours, you can also ask for a refund of your flight ticket.
If you are eligible to receive compensation, you can contact a company that specializes in air passenger rights. This company can help you with your claims or assist you with legal action.
It is important to know that you are only entitled to compensation if the delay is due to circumstances that can be controlled by the airline, such as technical problems or pilot strikes. Delays due to weather conditions or political conflicts are usually excluded from compensation.