Flight Delayed? You Could Be Owed Up to 600€

If your flight arrived more than 3 hours late, EU Regulation 261/2004 gives you the same compensation rights as a cancelled flight.

A flight delay can ruin your travel plans, cost you money, and cause significant stress. The good news is that EU law is firmly on your side. Under the landmark Sturgeon ruling (Case C-402/07), the European Court of Justice established that passengers whose flights arrive 3 or more hours late at their final destination are entitled to the same compensation as passengers of cancelled flights.

This means you could receive 250€, 400€, or 600€ depending on the distance of your flight. The airline must pay this compensation unless the delay was caused by 'extraordinary circumstances' that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

Common causes of delays that DO entitle you to compensation include: technical faults with the aircraft, crew scheduling problems, operational issues, and airline staff strikes. Causes that typically do NOT entitle you to compensation include: severe weather events, air traffic control restrictions, and security incidents.

Check Your Rights Now

Our AI will analyze your specific situation in 60 seconds

Analyze My Flight — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the 3-hour delay calculated?

The delay is measured by comparing the actual arrival time (when the aircraft doors open at the gate) with the scheduled arrival time. It's the arrival delay that matters, not the departure delay.

What if my connecting flight made me arrive late?

If you booked your flights as a single booking (one reservation), the total delay at your final destination is what counts. If your first flight was delayed and caused you to miss a connection, resulting in a 3+ hour delay at your final destination, you are entitled to compensation.

Can I claim for a delay that happened years ago?

Yes, as long as you are within the statute of limitations for your country. In most EU countries this is 2-6 years. For example, it is 3 years in Portugal and 6 years in the UK.