Can you get compensation for a delayed flight?

Can you get compensation for a delayed flight?

Travelling by air can be stressful, especially when your flight is delayed. However, if your flight has been delayed for reasons that are within the airline's control, you may be entitled to compensation under European law EC 261/2004.

According to this law, if your flight departed from or arrived at an EU airport or if your airline is based in the EU, you are entitled to compensation in case of a delay of at least three hours. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. For example, for a flight of less than 1,500 kilometres, the compensation is € 250, and for a flight of more than 3,500 kilometres, the compensation is € 600.

There are some exceptions to the flight delay compensation rule. The airline is not obliged to pay compensation if the delay was caused by exceptional circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, employee strikes or safety problems. However, if the delay was caused by operational problems or lack of maintenance, the airline is liable for compensation.

To obtain compensation for a delayed flight, the first step is to verify that the airline is responsible for the delay. According to EC Regulation 261/2004, a flight is considered delayed if it arrives at least three hours later than its scheduled arrival time. Furthermore, the airline must be responsible for the delay and it must not be due to exceptional circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or strikes.

Once it has been verified that the flight is delayed and that the airline is responsible, it is possible to claim compensation. The amount that can be obtained varies depending on the distance of the flight and can be up to EUR 600. In addition, it is possible to claim reimbursement of expenses incurred due to the delay, such as the cost of an overnight stay in a hotel or the cost of a new flight to reach the destination.

In order to file a claim, you need to keep certain documents such as your airline ticket, boarding pass and any receipts for expenses incurred. You can file the claim with the airline directly or by using services such as Trouble Flight, which offer assistance in filing the claim and negotiating the compensation.

Once the claim is submitted, the airline has 30 days to respond. If the claim is accepted, compensation will be paid within 14 days from the date the claim is accepted. If the claim is rejected or no reply is provided within 30 days.

In any case, it is important to bear in mind that there are time limits for filing a claim for a delayed flight. In general, most airlines require that complaints be filed within two years from the date of the flight. Therefore, it is important to act quickly to avoid losing your rights.

In conclusion, it is possible to obtain compensation for a delayed flight, but it is important to follow the correct procedure and submit your claim in time. With the right documentation and ai