Your rights, in plain words
Your rights when a flight goes wrong
The short version
In Europe, EU Regulation 261/2004 (and UK261 in Britain) gives you €250 to €600 per passenger when you arrive 3+ hours late, are cancelled less than 14 days before, or are bumped, unless the airline proves extraordinary circumstances. Meals, a hotel if needed, and a refund or new flight are owed whatever the cause. Start with the guide that matches your situation.
At the airport
Christmas flights: snow, strikes and family tripsWhat you are owed when holiday flights go wrong, and how to lower the risk.Missed your flight because of border queues?What the EU Entry/Exit System changes, and what you can and can't claim.Lost, delayed or damaged baggage: what you can claimThe deadlines that matter (7 and 21 days) and the compensation cap.How to prove your delayFive things to keep the day it happens.Stranded overnight: what the airline must pay forHotel, meals and transport are owed even when the cause is weather.Flight delayed? When you get €250 to €600, and what you're owed while you waitYour flight is late: meals from 2 hours, compensation from 3 hours late at arrival, a refund option from 5 hours. The rules, examples and what to do now.
Delays and connections
The airline refused or ignored your claim: what to do nextThe free escalation path, country by country, before any court.Your bank card may pay you for a delay tooCard travel insurance often pays on top of EU261.EU261 explained: who gets €250, €400 or €600, and how to claim itThe complete guide to EU flight compensation: which flights count, the amounts, the 3-hour rule, excuses airlines use, and how to claim.Missed your connecting flight? When you get up to €600, and what to do nowMissed a connection because the first flight was late: one booking or separate tickets, how the amount is calculated, who pays, and what to do at the connecting airport.Strike cancelled or delayed your flight? When you get €250 to €600Pilot, cabin crew, air traffic control or airport strike: who has to pay, what you are owed in every case, and what to do when a strike is announced.
Cancellations and strikes
Flight cancelled? Refund, new flight and up to €600: your rightsYour flight is cancelled or you were bumped: how to choose between a refund and a new flight, when you also get €250 to €600, and what to do at the airport.Airline offered a voucher. Should you take it?You are entitled to cash. A voucher is a choice, not a rule.
Claiming your money
Rules and changes
More
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