Passengers it protects
The rule can apply to passengers with a confirmed booking on covered flights, subject to the disruption circumstances.
EU261 passenger rights
EU261 compensation guide
Understand when EU261 may apply to delayed, cancelled, overbooked, or missed connection flights, then use AirClaimr tools to estimate potential compensation and choose your next step.
Overview
What is EU261?
EU Regulation 261/2004 is a European passenger-rights rule for certain flight disruptions. It sets out rights that may apply when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, and when a missed connection causes a qualifying arrival delay.
Flights departing Europe
Flights departing from a European airport may fall within EU261, including flights operated by non-EU carriers.
Flights arriving in Europe
Flights arriving in Europe from outside Europe may be covered when operated by an EU carrier.
Eligibility scenarios
When compensation may apply
Flight delay
Compensation may apply when you reach your final destination at least 3 hours late and the airline was responsible for the disruption.
Flight cancellation
Eligibility can depend on when the airline notified you, the alternative travel offered, and the reason for cancellation.
Denied boarding
Passengers denied boarding against their will may have rights when they held a valid booking and arrived for check-in on time.
Missed connection
A missed connection may qualify when the flights were part of one booking and the final arrival delay meets the applicable threshold.
Compensation bands
Potential compensation amounts
The amount commonly depends on route distance. Actual eligibility also depends on the disruption facts and applicable rules.
Short-haul
€250
Flights up to 1,500 km
Medium-haul
€400
Flights from 1,500 to 3,500 km
Long-haul
€600
Flights over 3,500 km
Limitations
Extraordinary circumstances
Some situations may affect compensation eligibility because they can fall outside the airline's control. The facts and the airline response still matter.
- Severe weather
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Airport security events
- Political instability
- Certain strikes
Documents
What information should you keep?
Keeping clear records can make it easier to review your options with an airline or a third-party partner.
- Booking confirmation
- Boarding pass
- Airline communications
- Receipts for relevant expenses, if applicable
AirClaimr resources
Continue with the tools that match your disruption
FAQ
Common EU261 questions
Can I claim for a 2-hour delay?
EU261 compensation for delay commonly depends on reaching the final destination at least 3 hours late. A 2-hour delay may still create care or assistance rights in some situations, but it will not usually meet the compensation delay threshold.
Can weather delays qualify?
Severe weather may count as an extraordinary circumstance and can affect compensation eligibility. The specific cause and the airline response still matter.
How long do I have to submit a claim?
Time limits vary by country and legal context. Check the applicable limitation period for your departure, arrival, airline, and claim route.
Can I claim after accepting vouchers?
It depends on what the voucher covered and the terms you accepted. Keep the voucher details and airline communications, then review your options carefully.
What if the airline rejects my request?
Review the airline explanation, keep your documents, and compare the response with EU261 requirements. You may choose to contact the airline again, use complaint resources, seek professional advice, or continue with a third-party partner.
Check your flight
Estimate potential compensation or browse airport disruption snapshots.