Flight Delay Compensation: What Are Your Rights and How Can You Get Them?

Was your flight delayed? You might be entitled to compensation of up to €600!

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 protects air passengers and grants clear rights in the event of delays. Find out if you’re eligible for compensation and how we can help you.

When can you claim compensation for a delayed flight?

You are eligible for compensation if the following conditions are met:

• The delay at the final destination exceeds 3 hours;

• The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather, terrorist threats, air traffic control strikes);

• The flight took place within the past year (for flights departing from Romania);

• The airline is responsible – e.g., technical issues, lack of staff, poor organization.

Situations where you are entitled to compensation

You can claim compensation for a delay if:

• The flight was delayed due to a technical malfunction;

• The airline staff was insufficient or poorly scheduled;

• The delay was caused by a strike of the airline's own staff;

• A previous flight delay affected your flight.

How much compensation can you receive?

The amount of compensation varies depending on the flight distance:

Delayed Flight Compensation: What Are Your Rights and How to Claim Them?

In addition, the airline must provide you with food, drinks, access to communication, and, if necessary, accommodation and transport.

What if the delay exceeds 5 hours?

You have the right to:

• Cancel your trip and receive a full refund for your ticket;

• Request a return flight to your original point of departure;

• Receive free accommodation if the delay requires an overnight stay.

What is NOT the airline’s responsibility?

The airline is not required to pay compensation if the delay was caused by:

• Storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions;

• Political issues (wars, protests);

• Air traffic control strikes;

• Bird strikes (birds entering aircraft engines).

Delayed Flights in the USA – What Are Your Rights?

In the United States, rules differ from those in the EU. However:

• You can request assistance (water, food, access to the toilet) after a 2-hour delay while on the plane;

• After 3 hours (domestic flights) or 4 hours (international flights), you can request to disembark;

• You can negotiate compensation, especially if the delay affected other bookings.

Missed Your Connecting Flight?

You may be eligible for compensation if both flights were booked under the same reservation code and you arrived at your final destination with a delay of at least 3 hours.

What Documents Are Needed to Claim Compensation?

• Reservation code;

• Flight number + departure and destination airports;

• Boarding pass / flight ticket / booking confirmation.

Bought a Holiday Package?

You are also protected by EU Regulation 261 in this case. Make sure the package clearly includes flight details. If the tour operator fails to provide accurate information, you may be entitled to additional compensation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I missed my connecting flight due to a delay. Am I entitled to compensation?
Yes, you are entitled to compensation if your final arrival delay is at least 3 hours. All flight segments must be under the same booking (same reservation code). If delays or missed connections result in arriving more than 3 hours late, you can file a claim under EU Regulation 261/2004.

My flight was delayed. What should I do?
First, ask the airline for clear information regarding the cause of the delay and record the exact time you were informed. Keep all relevant travel documents, such as your plane ticket, boarding pass, and any communication from the airline. If your delay exceeds 3 hours at the final destination, go to the AirCompensation platform and fill in the form to begin the compensation process.

What documents are required to claim compensation for a delayed flight?
To file a claim, you need essential information such as the flight number, departure and arrival airports, and one of the following documents: boarding pass, flight ticket, or online booking confirmation. These will help verify your eligibility and initiate legal steps to claim your compensation.