EU261 Passenger Rights Guide

Understand when and how you're entitled to compensation for flight delays, cancellations, missed connections and denied boarding.

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What is EU Regulation 261/2004?

EU261 is a passenger protection law that grants compensation for delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights. It applies to:

🇪🇺 Flights departing the EU

Any flight leaving an EU airport is covered, regardless of the airline.

✈️ Flights arriving in the EU

Arrivals to the EU qualify when operated by an EU-based airline.

👥 All passengers

You don’t need to be an EU citizen — all travelers are protected.

How Much Compensation Can You Get?

Compensation depends on the total flight distance:

Flight Distance Delay on Arrival Compensation
Up to 1500 km 3+ hours €250
1500 km – 3500 km 3+ hours €400
3500+ km 4+ hours €600

When Are You Eligible?

✔️ You Are Eligible If:
• Your flight arrived 3+ hours late
• Your flight was cancelled on short notice
• You were denied boarding (overbooking)
• Your missed connection led to 3+ hour delay
• The airline is responsible for the disruption
❌ You Are Not Eligible When:
• Severe weather
• Airport closure
• Political unrest
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Safety/security emergencies

What Airlines Must Provide

Under EU261, airlines must provide food, drinks, communication access and hotel accommodation depending on the length of the delay.
🍽️ Meals & Drinks

For delays over 2–4 hours depending on flight distance.

🏨 Hotel Stay

For overnight delays, including transport to/from hotel.

📞 Communication Access

Two free calls, emails or messages must be provided.

Examples

Example 1: Long Delay

Your flight from Paris to New York arrives 4 hours late → €600 compensation.

Example 2: Short-Notice Cancellation

Flight cancelled 48 hours before departure → eligible for compensation + refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

You qualify if the airline was responsible and the delay was 3+ hours at arrival.

A boarding pass or booking confirmation helps, but is not mandatory.

It varies by airline — anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
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