Delays are covered if they exceed three hours upon arrival at the destination. However, not all delays are eligible for compensation. If the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as extreme weather, political instability, security risks, or strikes by third parties, the airline is not obliged to provide compensation. This provision is designed to protect airlines from factors they cannot influence while still ensuring passenger rights are respected in most delay scenarios.

Compensation for delayed flights under EC 261 is calculated based on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. For delays of three hours or more, passengers are entitled to:

• • €250 for flights of 1,500 km or less.
  • €400 for flights within the EU of more than 1,500 km and for all other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km.
  • €600 for flights of more than 3,500 km. Additionally, if the delay is between three and four hours, the compensation can be reduced by 50% if the airline offers re-routing that results in a delay within this time frame.

To support your claim, gather the following information:

• • Your flight tickets and boarding passes.
  • Written communication from the airline regarding the delay.
  • Proof of the actual arrival time at your final destination (e.g., a photo of the airport’s arrival board).
  • Receipts for any expenses incurred due to the delay, such as meals, accommodation, and transportation.
  • Keep a detailed record of all interactions with the airline, including dates and times of conversations. This documentation will strengthen your claim and help ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to under EC 261.

Yes, there is a time limit for filing a compensation claim under EC 261, and it varies by country. Generally, you have between two to five years from the date of the delayed flight to submit your claim. For example, in the UK and Ireland, the time limit is six years, while in Germany, it is three years. It’s important to check the specific limitation period in the country where you are filing your claim to ensure you don’t miss the deadline. Acting promptly will help avoid any issues related to the expiry of the claim period.