European Union Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays. Whether you fly frequently or once a year, knowing these rules can save you hundreds of euros when flight disruptions occur.
EU261 applies to all flights departing from an EU/EEA airport regardless of the airline's country of origin. For flights arriving into an EU/EEA airport from outside the EU, the regulation applies if the flight is operated by an EU-certificated carrier. Compensation amounts are fixed at 250€ for short flights under 1,500 km, 400€ for medium flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and 600€ for long-haul flights over 3,500 km.
To qualify for delay compensation, your flight must arrive at your final destination 3 or more hours after the scheduled arrival time. For cancellations, notice given less than 14 days before departure triggers compensation unless the airline proves the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather or air traffic control strikes.