What Compensation Are You Entitled to for Flight Delays or Cancellations – and How Do You Claim It?
You may be entitled to compensation such as cash payments, refunds, rebooking, meals, hotel accommodation, or travel vouchers,
depending on where you’re flying, how long the delay was, and whether the airline was responsible for the disruption.
Every year, millions of passengers experience delayed or cancelled flights, yet most walk away with nothing—not because they aren’t
entitled to compensation, but because they don’t know their rights. Airlines rarely explain these rights clearly and often offer
vouchers or apologies instead of what the law actually requires.
Compensation rules are not universal. They vary by region (EU, UK, US, Canada), by cause of disruption (airline fault vs weather),
and by delay length. A 3-hour delay in Europe can mean hundreds of euros, while the same delay in the U.S. may mean nothing unless
the airline chooses to help.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What compensation really means (and what it doesn’t)
- Exactly when airlines must pay you
- How rules differ by country and region
- Step-by-step instructions to file a successful claim
- Common airline excuses—and how to challenge them
Knowing your rights turns frustration into leverage.
What Flight Compensation Actually Includes
Difference Between Rebooking, Refunds, and Compensation
Rebooking, refunds, and compensation are often confused, but they are legally different. Rebooking means the airline must put you on
another flight at no extra cost. A refund applies when you choose not to travel after a cancellation.
Compensation is extra money paid for inconvenience. Airlines often offer rebooking and hope passengers won’t ask for more. Accepting a
voucher does not always waive your rights. Understanding the difference ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
When Airlines Are Legally Required to Compensate You
Airlines must compensate passengers when the delay or cancellation is within their control. This includes mechanical issues, crew
shortages, or scheduling problems. Weather, air traffic control, and security issues are usually considered extraordinary circumstances.
The airline must prove the cause, not you. Delay length and arrival time matter more than departure time. Laws define specific
thresholds. Knowing when compensation is mandatory strengthens your claim.
Flight Compensation Rules by Region
EU & UK Compensation Rules (EC261 / UK261)
EU and UK laws offer the strongest passenger protections in the world. If your flight arrives 3 hours late or is canceled with short
notice, you may receive €250–€600 in compensation. The amount depends on flight distance, not ticket price.
The airline must also provide meals and hotels if needed. These rules apply to EU/UK departures and many inbound flights. Airlines often
deny claims initially, but persistence works.
United States (DOT Rules and Airline Policies)
The U.S. does not mandate cash compensation for delays. However, airlines must refund cancelled flights if you don’t travel. Denied
boarding due to overbooking does require compensation.
Each airline publishes its own delay policies. Some offer vouchers or miles voluntarily. DOT rules still protect refunds and
transparency. Credit card benefits often matter more in the U.S. than airline law.
Canada (APPR Passenger Protection Rules)
Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations require compensation for airline-caused delays and cancellations. Large airlines must pay
up to CAD $1,000 depending on the delay length. Small airlines have lower obligations.
Passengers are also entitled to meals and accommodations. Airlines must communicate clearly. Claims must be filed within a specific
timeframe. Canada sits between the EU and the U.S. in the strength of its protections.
Other International Flights and Global Variations
Many countries lack clear compensation laws. However, EU rules may still apply depending on departure location or airline nationality.
Some regions follow Montreal Convention rules for damages.
International itineraries complicate claims. Always check where the flight originated. Global rules are inconsistent, making
documentation crucial. When laws are weak, airline policy and insurance matter more.
What You’re Entitled to During Delays and Cancellations
Meals, Hotels, and Transportation (Duty of Care)
Even when cash compensation isn’t required, airlines often owe a “duty of care.” This includes meal vouchers, hotel stays, and
transportation for overnight delays. This applies mainly to airline-caused disruptions.
Passengers must usually stay at the airport to qualify. Receipts are essential if you arrange your own accommodation. Airlines may
reimburse later. Duty of care exists even when cash compensation doesn’t.
Cash Compensation vs Travel Vouchers
Cash compensation is your legal right in many regions. Airlines often push vouchers instead because they’re cheaper for them. You are
usually not required to accept vouchers.
Vouchers may expire or restrict usage. Always ask if cash is an option. Accepting a voucher may waive further claims. Read the terms
carefully before agreeing.
Situations Where Compensation Is Usually Denied
Weather, Air Traffic Control, and Extraordinary Circumstances
Airlines are not required to pay compensation for extraordinary circumstances. This includes severe weather, ATC strikes, or airport
closures. However, routine maintenance is not extraordinary.
Airlines often misuse this excuse. They must prove the disruption was unavoidable. Courts frequently side with passengers when airlines
overclaim exceptions. Always ask for written explanations.
Short Delays and Passenger-Caused Issues
Delays under legal thresholds do not qualify for compensation. Missing a flight due to late arrival at the airport is not compensable.
Documentation matters—boarding passes and arrival times are key.
Airlines use precise timing. Being minutes short can void a claim. Understanding thresholds helps manage expectations.
How to Claim Flight Compensation Step by Step
What Documents and Evidence Do You Need
You’ll need your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and delay or cancellation notice. Screenshots from the airline app help. Receipts
for meals or hotels are essential. Save emails and texts.
Evidence strengthens claims significantly. Lack of documents slows processing. Preparation increases success.
How to File a Claim Directly With the Airline
Most airlines have online claim forms. Be concise and factual. Reference the specific law (EC261, APPR, etc.). Avoid emotional language.
State your entitlement clearly.
Airlines often deny first claims automatically. Persistence matters. Keep records of all communication.
Escalating a Denied or Ignored Claim
If the airline ignores or denies your claim, escalate to regulators or dispute bodies. National aviation authorities can intervene.
Alternative dispute resolution is effective in Europe.
Legal action is rarely needed but sometimes necessary. Claim services are an option for complex cases. Escalation works when done properly.
Using Flight Compensation Claim Services
How Compensation Companies Work
Claim companies handle paperwork and legal action for you. They operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. Fees range from
20–35%.
They are useful for complex or old claims. You receive less money but save time. Choose reputable services only.
When a Claim Service Is Worth Using
Use services when airlines refuse payment or communication stalls. Old flights and cross-border cases benefit most. If time matters more
than money, services help.
Simple cases are better handled personally. Evaluate effort vs reward. Services are a tool, not a requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What compensation am I entitled to for a delayed flight?
It depends on the delay length and location. EU/UK flights may qualify after 3 hours. U.S. delays rarely pay cash.
2. Do airlines compensate for weather delays?
Usually, no cash compensation applies. Rebooking and duty of care may still apply. Documentation is still important.
3. Can I get both a refund and compensation?
Sometimes, yes. Refunds cover unused tickets. Compensation covers inconvenience.
4. How long do I have to file a claim?
Time limits vary by country. EU claims often allow several years. Check local rules quickly.
5. Should I use a compensation claim company?
Only if claims are complex or denied. They charge a percentage fee. DIY works for simple cases.
Most travellers lose compensation simply because they don’t ask. Laws exist to protect passengers—but only if you use them. Understanding
regional rules, documenting everything, and filing correctly make all the difference.
Airlines expect passengers to give up. Informed travellers don’t. Before accepting an apology or voucher, check your rights—you may be
entitled to real compensation.