Your rights as a passenger: compensation for flight delays and cancellations

Air travel is often stressful enough - but when delays or cancellations occur, the frustration is great. What many passengers do not realise is that they are entitled to compensation in such cases. The EU Passenger Rights Regulation (EC 261/2004) defines exactly when and to what extent passengers must be compensated for flight problems. In this article, you will find out what rights you have as a passenger and how you can claim compensation for delays and cancellations.

Your rights in the event of flight delays

If your flight is operated within the EU or with an airline based in the EU and is delayed by more than three hours, you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation depends on the flight route:

EUR 250 for flights up to 1,500 km
EUR 400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km and for flights over 3,500 km within the EU territory
EUR 600 for flights over 3,500 km

The compensation applies if the airline is responsible for the delay - for example due to technical problems or organisational errors. If there are ‘extraordinary circumstances’ such as bad weather or strikes, the right to compensation does not apply. It is important to know that exceptional circumstances are often cited, but this does not mean that no compensation can be claimed. As an example, we were able to enforce a flight delay caused by a sandstorm in Morocco. In this case, it was relevant that the flight took off approx. 50 minutes late and would only then have arrived in the sandstorm. If there had not been the take-off delay of 50 minutes, the aircraft would have landed on time, as the sandstorm did not occur until later. The 50 minutes at take-off were to be credited to the airline due to the delay in loading the baggage, etc. This meant that we were also able to claim compensation in this case. 

Your rights in the event of flight cancellations

If your flight is cancelled, you are also entitled to compensation - unless the airline has informed you at least 14 days before the planned departure date or there were ‘extraordinary circumstances’. In such cases, the following compensation amounts are due:

• EUR 250 for short-haul flights up to 1,500 km.
  EUR 400 for medium-haul routes between 1,500 and 3,500 km and for flights over 3,500 km within the EU territory
  EUR 600 for long-haul flights over 3,500 km
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In addition to financial compensation, as a passenger you are entitled to assistance if you have to wait for a later flight. This includes meals, hotel accommodation and transport to the hotel if necessary.

Have you also had difficulties claiming your compensation directly from the airline? Let us help you! Submit your case to Captain Frank and we'll take care of the rest. 

How do you enforce your compensation?

Claiming compensation can be frustrating and time-consuming if you try to claim it directly from the airline. Many airlines often reject claims without just cause or don't respond to enquiries at all. This is where a legal services provider like Captain Frank comes into play.

Why should you use a legal services provider?

• No cost risk: You only pay in the event of success, which means no risk for you.
  Expertise: Legal service providers specialise in flight compensation and know all the legal details to successfully enforce your claims.
  Efficiency: Thanks to automated processes and experience, legal service providers can work faster and more effectively than individuals or traditional lawyers.
  
  Engaging an expert significantly increases your chances of a swift and successful payout.

The conclusion:

As a passenger, you have clear rights in the event of flight delays or cancellations. Depending on the flight route, compensation can quickly amount to several hundred euros. However, the direct route to the airline can be complicated. With a legal service provider like Captain Frank, you are on the safe side: no effort, no risk - and still full compensation.

Ready to get your compensation?