Delayed flight: what to do, when to request a refund and how to obtain compensation
A delayed flight can turn a dream trip into a stressful experience. But few people know that, in certain cases, not only are you entitled to a refund, but you may also receive financial compensation, even if the flight departs (or arrives) late.
Here’s what to do step by step, how to understand when you are entitled to something, and how to claim it.
What to do immediately when your flight is delayed
As soon as you find out that your flight is delayed:
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Keep your documents handy: boarding pass, booking confirmation, any airline communications.
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Check the actual departure and arrival time: you can do this on the airline’s website, on FlightAware, Flightradar24 or similar apps.
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Ask ground staff for information: get a clear explanation of the reason for the delay and whether there are alternatives.
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Keep all extra expenses: receipts for meals, taxis, hotels, etc. They may be needed for a refund claim.
Refund: when you can obtain it
You may request a ticket refund in two main cases:
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If the flight is delayed by more than 5 hours and you decide not to travel, you can ask for a full refund.
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If the flight is canceled or you are denied boarding and you refuse the proposed alternatives (e.g., rebooking on another flight), you are entitled to a refund.
The refund only concerns what you paid for the flight and is not related to the duration of the delay, unless you decide to give up the trip.
Compensation: when you are entitled and how much you can obtain
European Regulation 261/2004 provides for financial compensation in cases of:
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Arrival delay of 3 hours or more
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Flight cancellation with less than 14 days’ notice
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Denied boarding (overbooking)
How much can you get?
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€250 for flights up to 1,500 km
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€400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
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€600 for flights over 3,500 km
Compensation is not due if the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., bad weather, air traffic control strikes, medical emergencies, political instability).
How to claim refund or compensation
Option 1 – Do it yourself
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Fill out the complaint form directly on the airline’s website.
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Attach flight documents and a brief explanation of the disruption.
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If you receive no response, you can contact ENAC (Italy) or the relevant authority in the country of departure.
Option 2 – Use a claim company
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If you want to simplify everything, you can rely on DelayFlight24; their platform analyzes your case in a few minutes and starts the procedure for you quickly and easily.
Practical tip
You can use a claim calculator to check in seconds if your flight qualifies for compensation. Just enter the flight number and date.
In conclusion
If your flight is delayed:
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After 2 hours: you are entitled to assistance (meals, drinks, communications).
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After 3 hours: you may be entitled to compensation.
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After 5 hours: you can give up the flight and request a refund.
If the delay is significant, document everything and consider starting a claim.
Knowing your rights not only helps you deal better with the unexpected but can also turn an inconvenience into a real opportunity for refund or compensation.
