What is happening?
Delayed
- After 2 hours (short flights), 3 hours (medium) or 4 hours (long-haul), ask the desk for meal vouchers.
- If you will be stuck overnight, the airline must give you a hotel and transport to it.
- Ask for the reason of the delay in writing, or note exactly what staff and announcements say.
- Delayed 5 hours or more? You may give up the trip and get a full refund.
- On arrival, note the time the doors open. 3 hours or more late = compensation, unless the cause is extraordinary.
Cancelled
- You choose: a refund, a new flight as soon as possible, or a new flight later. Don't let staff choose for you.
- Rebooking queue too long? Call the airline or use its app while you queue; it is often faster.
- Meals and, if needed, a hotel are owed whatever the cause, even weather or strikes.
- Don't accept a voucher instead of money unless you want it. Read before you sign anything.
- Told less than 14 days before? You are probably owed €250–€600 on top.
Overbooked
- Before boarding is refused, the airline must ask for volunteers. You can negotiate what you accept.
- Refused against your will: you are owed €250–€600 straight away, plus a new flight or a refund.
- Ask for the compensation and a written notice of your rights at the desk.
Missed connection
- One booking? The airline must rebook you to your final destination at no cost.
- Compensation depends on how late you reach your final destination: 3 hours or more counts.
- Two separate tickets? Only the late first flight can be claimed. Ask the second airline about a paid change or a no-show refund of taxes.
Stuck tonight?
The airline must pay a hotel and the transport to it. If the desk says no, book a reasonable room and keep the receipt.
Hotels near the airportThe money comes after
Up to €600 per passenger, once you know your arrival time. You have years to claim, so no rush today.
Check what I'm owed now →Your rights, in their language
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, I am entitled to meals and refreshments while I wait and, if needed, a hotel. Please provide them, or confirm in writing that you will refund my expenses.
Please give me the reason for this delay or cancellation in writing.
Conformément au règlement (CE) 261/2004, j'ai droit à des repas et rafraîchissements pendant l'attente et, si nécessaire, à un hôtel. Merci de me les fournir ou de confirmer par écrit que vous me rembourserez mes frais.
Merci de m'indiquer par écrit la raison de ce retard ou de cette annulation.
Según el Reglamento (CE) 261/2004, tengo derecho a comida y bebida durante la espera y, si es necesario, a un hotel. Por favor, facilítenmelos o confirmen por escrito que me reembolsarán los gastos.
Por favor, indíquenme por escrito el motivo de este retraso o cancelación.
Gemäß der EU-Verordnung 261/2004 habe ich während der Wartezeit Anspruch auf Mahlzeiten und Erfrischungen sowie bei Bedarf auf ein Hotel. Bitte stellen Sie diese bereit oder bestätigen Sie schriftlich, dass Sie mir meine Ausgaben erstatten.
Bitte teilen Sie mir den Grund für diese Verspätung oder Annullierung schriftlich mit.
Ai sensi del Regolamento (CE) 261/2004, ho diritto a pasti e bevande durante l'attesa e, se necessario, a un albergo. Vi chiedo di fornirli o di confermare per iscritto che mi rimborserete le spese.
Vi prego di indicarmi per iscritto il motivo di questo ritardo o cancellazione.
Tap when it happens
Each tap saves the exact time on this phone only. Your claim letter can add these times for you. Take photos of the departures board too: photos keep their own time stamp.
Nothing logged yet.
Keep these
Know before the airport does
One short email when a strike is announced for European airports, and a monthly summary of your rights. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.