Flight Compensation Rights for All Airlines

Flight disruptions affect millions of passengers each year across all major airlines. Whether you experience a delay, cancellation, missed connection, or denied boarding, international air passenger regulations ensure that travelers are protected and may be entitled to financial compensation. This page provides a complete overview of your rights when flying with any airline worldwide.

Compensation Amounts for Flight Disruptions

Under EC 261, passengers may receive compensation based on flight distance. These compensation rules apply regardless of which airline operates the flight.

Intercontinental flights and long-haul routes often qualify for the highest compensation. Some of the world’s busiest airlines experience frequent disruptions, making it worth checking your eligibility whenever your flight arrives significantly late.

Right to Care During Long Delays

Regardless of compensation eligibility, airlines must provide care services depending on the delay duration:

• Free meals and refreshments
• Two free communications (email or phone)
• Hotel accommodation for overnight delays
• Transportation between hotel and airport

Passengers can request reimbursement for reasonable expenses if the airline fails to provide these services.

What Should You Do If Your Flight Is Disrupted?

• Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation.
• Take photos of airport screens showing delays.
• Ask airline staff for written confirmation of the cause.
• Save receipts for meals, hotels, and transportation.
• Document your arrival time at the final destination.

You can usually claim compensation for flights disrupted within the last 3 years, depending on the applicable laws.