Delayed flight: when you are entitled to compensation

Travelling by plane can involve unexpected situations, and one of the most common inconveniences is arriving at your destination several hours late. In these cases, passengers are not without protection: in Europe, Regulation EC 261/2004 establishes when it is possible to obtain financial compensation and what obligations airlines must fulfil.

A flight delay is indeed one of the main situations that may entitle passengers to compensation, together with cancelled flight and denied boarding due to overbooking. For a complete overview of all cases covered by the regulation, you can consult the general guide to Flight Compensation.

 

When a delay entitles you to compensation

You may be entitled to compensation if:

• The flight arrives at its destination at least 3 hours late

• The problem is attributable to the airline

• There are no extraordinary circumstances

The compensation amount can reach up to €600, depending on the distance of the flight.

If the flight has been cancelled rather than delayed, specific rules apply.

 

Compensation amount for delayed flights

If the flight arrives 3 hours or more late, the passenger may be entitled to financial compensation under Regulation EC 261/2004.

The amount depends on the flight distance.

Flight Distance	Compensation
Up to 1500 km	€250
Between 1500 km and 3500 km	€400
Over 3500 km	€600

 

Compensation is independent of the ticket price and is granted when the delay is attributable to the airline.

Practical example

If a Milan – London flight arrives at its destination over 3 hours late due to a technical problem with the aircraft, the passenger may be entitled to €250 compensation, in addition to assistance while waiting at the airport.

 

Refund or compensation: what is the difference?

It is important to distinguish between:

Ticket refund: reimbursement of the ticket price if you decide not to travel.

Financial compensation: a fixed amount established by Regulation 261/2004, independent of the ticket price.

Many passengers confuse these two concepts, but understanding the difference is essential to know your rights.

 

Assistance during the delay

In addition to financial compensation, airlines must provide assistance when the delay exceeds certain thresholds:

• Meals and refreshments

• Two free communications

• Hotel accommodation (if necessary)

• Transport between the airport and the hotel

These rights apply even in the presence of extraordinary circumstances.

 

Extraordinary circumstances

Compensation may not be granted if the delay is caused by events beyond the airline’s control, such as:

• Severe weather conditions

• Air traffic control strikes

• Security issues

Airline liability is also governed by the Montreal Convention.

 

How the flight delay is calculated

To determine whether you are entitled to compensation, the relevant time is not the departure time but the actual arrival time at the final destination, defined as the moment when the aircraft doors are opened.

According to Regulation EC 261/2004, the right to compensation generally arises when the arrival delay is three hours or more.

The compensation amount depends on:

• Flight distance

• Airline responsibility

• Presence or absence of extraordinary circumstances

Major airlines operating in Europe, such as Ryanair, easyJet and Qatar Airways are subject to these rules.

If the issue concerns denied boarding due to overbooking, specific regulations apply.

 

Check your right to compensation now

If your flight arrived with a delay of at least three hours, you can check your situation and see whether you are entitled to financial compensation under European law.

Check if you are entitled to flight compensation

 

FAQ – Delayed flight

 

1. After how much delay can I claim compensation?
Generally after a delay of at least 3 hours at arrival.

 

2. If the delay is caused by weather, can I claim compensation?
It depends. Severe weather conditions may be considered extraordinary circumstances.

 

3. How much compensation can I receive?
Up to €600, depending on the distance of the flight.

 

4. Do I need to take legal action against the airline?
Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through out-of-court claims.