Late arrival

If your plane arrives at its destination airport more than three hours after the scheduled arrival time, you are entitled to a lump sum compensation under the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. A flight is considered an EU flight if it either departs from the European Union (EU) or your destination airport is within the EU and you are travelling with a European airline.

Delayed departure

If your flight is delayed, you are entitled to various types of assistance, depending on the flight route. If your flight is delayed by two hours or more, you are entitled to food and drink, as well as at least two free phone calls. If your flight is not until the next day, you can request a hotel room with transfer. If the airline does not offer meals or accommodation despite your request, you can arrange this yourself, with the airline later reimbursing you for the costs. If your flight is delayed by five hours or more, you can withdraw from the contract and request a refund of the flight price. If you have already been partially transported to an intermediate destination, you can request either a return flight or alternative transport to the departure airport.

Can the airline refuse payment?

Yes, the airline can refuse to pay compensation if there are extraordinary circumstances, such as bad weather, strikes, natural disasters or political unrest. In such cases, however, the airline must prove that all reasonable measures have been taken to minimise the disruption to passengers.

Price reduction for package travellers

If you are on a package holiday, you are entitled to a reduction in the price of the holiday if you arrive at your destination airport more than four hours after the scheduled arrival time. This is because an agreed service from your travel contract was inadequately provided. As a rule, 5 percent of the daily price of the holiday can be charged for each additional hour of flight delay, but no more than 20 percent of the total price of the holiday. Minor delays are generally considered to be mere inconveniences that must be accepted. If the holiday is significantly shortened, for example if you arrive at your destination airport three days later, you may also be entitled to compensation for damages caused to the entire trip. Alternatively, you can withdraw from the contract if there are significant travel deficiencies.

Have you been affected by a cancelled or delayed flight? Have you had problems with your package holiday?

Then let our travel law experts advise you about your rights and claims.