Air Passenger Rights

Compensation for Delayed Flight

ReFly protects the rights of air passengers

ReFly operates in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which establishes rules regarding compensation and assistance for passengers facing extended flight delays. If a flight is delayed by more than 3 hours upon arrival, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation from the airline responsible for the flight.

A delayed flight can turn an exciting moment into a stressful experience

Passengers often find themselves facing a series of disruptions, from uncertainty about departure times to the need to rearrange plans and commitments.

Extended waiting at the airport, missed connections, and disrupted plans can cause frustration and discomfort for travelers, negatively impacting their travel experience.

It's crucial to understand rights and compensation entitlements in case of flight delays, ensuring passengers are adequately protected in such situations.

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When am I entitled to compensation for a delayed flight?

Passengers experiencing flight delays within the European Union have the right to receive compensation ranging from $290 to $660, in addition to assistance services at the airport. EU regulations concerning air passenger rights mandate that airlines must provide compensation for delays exceeding 3 hours, provided the delay is directly attributable to the airline itself.

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How much compensation can I receive for a delayed flight?

The compensation you can receive for a delayed flight depends on the flight distance and the duration of the delay, ranging from $290 to $660. The amount increases with longer flight distances, ensuring adequate compensation for passengers.

$290

The compensation of $290 for a delayed flight specifically applies to flights of less than 1500 km.

$450

The compensation of $450 for a delayed flight applies to flights between 1500 km and 3500 km.

$660

The compensation of $660 for a delayed flight applies to flights exceeding 3500 km.

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How can I get my compensation?

Here's how to do it in 3 simple steps:

1

Send the claim request

It only takes 1 minute to discover the amount of your compensation.

2

We work for your rights

Our legal team will collaborate with the airlines and authorities regarding your case.

3

Receive your compensation

As soon as we win the lawsuit, you will receive the money in your bank account

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Know your flight delay rights for a better travel experience!

Air passenger rights in case of flight delays in the European Union are regulated by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. Here is a list of the main rights:

  • Right to information

    Airlines are required to inform passengers about their rights in case of delays.

  • Right to Assistance

    In case of delays of 2 hours or more, passengers are entitled to receive assistance. This includes meals and refreshments in proportion to the wait, two telephone calls, faxes or emails, and, if necessary, accommodation in a hotel and transport between the airport and the place of accommodation.

  • Refund or Rerouting

    If the delay is 3 hours or more, passengers can choose between a full refund of the ticket (for the part or parts of the journey not made) within seven days and a return flight to the first point of departure as soon as possible, or rerouting to the final destination as soon as possible or at a later date convenient to them, subject to seat availability.

Requesting compensation for flight delay does not mean you have to waive your right to a ticket refund if it is warranted by the circumstances. According to Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 of the European Union, rights to compensation and refund are distinct and can be applied based on different situations.

What does Compensation mean?

Compensation is a payment for the inconvenience caused by delay, cancellation, or denied boarding. Compensation ranges from $290 to $660 depending on the flight distance and the actual delay upon arrival. This compensation is due if the delay is 3 hours or more upon arrival at the destination and is not caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control.

What does Refund mean?

Refund is provided if you choose not to travel due to a delay of 3 hours or more, if the flight is canceled (without adequate rerouting), or in case of denied boarding. The refund covers the cost of the ticket for the parts of the journey not made and, if the flight no longer serves its purpose, also for those made, plus, promptly, a return flight to the original departure point.

You can therefore request both compensation and refund, if circumstances justify it. For example, if your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours and you decide not to travel because the delay makes the trip pointless for you, you may be entitled to both compensation for the delay and a ticket refund.

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If the airline does not provide the assistance measures required by EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 in case of significant delays, such as meals, beverages, two phone calls, hotel accommodation, and transportation, here's what you can do:

  • Document everything

    Keep receipts and any other documentation of expenses incurred due to lack of support from the airline. This includes costs for meals, accommodation, transportation between the airport and the place of accommodation, and communications.

  • Submit a direct request to the airline.

    Even if the airline does not provide the required assistance at that moment, you can contact them later with documentation of the expenses incurred and request a refund. Be sure to include all necessary details, such as the flight number, date, your contact information, and a clear description of the circumstances.

  • Submit an official claim

    If the airline does not respond or refuses the refund, you can file a complaint with the national authority in the EU country where the incident occurred or in the EU country of departure. Each member state has a national body responsible for enforcing air passenger rights regulations.

It's important to act promptly and provide all necessary evidence to support your claim. Knowledge of your rights and accurate documentation are essential in these cases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flight Compensation

If your flight is delayed by at least 3 hours, you are entitled to financial compensation under Regulation EC 261/2004, unless the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., adverse weather conditions). Additionally, you are entitled to meals, drinks, free communications, and, in the case of prolonged delays, accommodation and transportation. Check with Refly to see if you are eligible.

You can request compensation if the flight arrives at the final destination with a delay of at least 3 hours. The delay is calculated based on the actual arrival time, not the departure time.

The maximum amount per passenger is €600, depending on the flight distance:
$290 for flights up to 1,500 km.
$450 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km.
$660 for flights over 3,500 km.

You can rely on the expertise of Refly.org to manage the entire process for you. Simply provide the flight details and necessary documents, and the team of experts will handle eligibility verification and submit the claim to the airline.

The boarding pass or flight reservation.

If the airline rejects your request, contact Refly.org, which can challenge the rejection and, if necessary, take legal action at no upfront cost to you.

No, if the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, airport staff strikes, or air traffic restrictions, the airline is not obligated to compensate.

Yes, the airline must provide:
Meals and drinks based on the length of the delay.
Accommodation and transport if the delay requires an overnight stay.
Free communications, such as phone calls or emails.

The time varies, but airlines usually take between 4 and 12 weeks to process the payment. With Refly.org, the process can be quicker.

It is not necessary. Services like Refly.org handle the request without the need for a lawyer, even in the case of legal actions.

Yes, if the delay causes you to miss a connection and you arrive at your final destination with a delay of at least 3 hours, you are entitled to compensation.

The most common reasons include:
Technical issues with the aircraft.
Adverse weather conditions.
Air traffic congestion.
Airline or airport staff strikes.

No, compensation is only provided for delays longer than 3 hours upon arrival.

The airline must update you regularly and provide assistance, such as meals, drinks, and, if necessary, accommodation.

Always keep the flight documents.
Document the delay (e.g., photos of the boards, communications from the airline).
Use platforms like Refly.org to simplify the process.

Yes, the airline is required to inform you as soon as possible about the delay and provide regular updates.

Yes, Regulation EC 261/2004 also applies to international flights departing from an EU country or operated by airlines based in the EU.

No, the compensation does not depend on the type of ticket (economy, business, etc.), but solely on the delay and distance of the flight.

Refly

ReFly operates in accordance with regulations
related to passenger rights

Only a few air travelers are aware of their rights, and many of them lack the legal understanding necessary to claim compensation for flight delays. Even if they are aware of their rights, the process of requesting compensation from airlines can be challenging.

European Union Air Passenger Rights EU Regulation EC 261
Air Passenger Rights in Great Britain Great Britain UK 261
Air Passenger Rights Montreal Convention Montreal Convention
Air Passenger Rights in Turkey SHY Turkey