Know your air passenger rights
When a flight goes wrong, European law is firmly on your side. Here's what you're entitled to.
When you're protected
EU261 applies to any flight departing from an airport in the EU/EEA, and to flights landing in the EU/EEA when operated by an EU/EEA carrier. Norway, Iceland and Switzerland are covered. It protects you against long delays, cancellations and denied boarding.
Compensation amounts
Compensation is fixed by distance: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km. It is paid per passenger and is separate from any refund of your ticket.
Delays
If you reach your final destination three or more hours late, you're generally entitled to compensation. For long waits at the airport the airline must also provide care: meals, refreshments and, where needed, accommodation.
Cancellations
If your flight is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, you may be entitled to compensation as well as a choice between a refund or re-routing to your destination.
Denied boarding
If you're bumped from an overbooked flight against your will, you're entitled to compensation plus assistance and a refund or re-routing.
When the airline can say no
Compensation can be refused for genuinely extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control — severe weather, political instability, security risks or strikes by air-traffic control. Routine technical problems usually do not count.