Has your flight been delayed or canceled? As an experienced passenger rights advocate, rest assured: airlines have clear legal obligations to care for you and provide compensation in eligible cases. This guide, grounded in EU Regulation 261/2004, outlines key scenarios and conditions.
If your flight departs after the scheduled time on your ticket, you may qualify for assistance and compensation under specific conditions.
During delays, airlines must provide support based on wait time and flight distance. At minimum, expect refreshments or meals, two free calls (especially from abroad to France), and hotel plus transport if overnight.
Thresholds vary: 2 hours for EU flights ≤1,500 km; 3 hours for >1,500 km intra-EU or 1,500-3,500 km from outside; 4 hours for >3,500 km non-EU departures. Airlines must also supply written info on your rights.
Beyond assistance, claim compensation if arrival is delayed 3+ hours—or if you cancel due to delay (full refund within 7 days, no action needed).
Eligibility hinges on route: Protected from EU/France/Norway/Iceland/Switzerland departures. For non-EU to EU arrivals, only EU airlines qualify. Non-EU to non-EU: Check local rules.
Amounts by distance:
Request via registered letter citing EU Reg 261/2004. Airlines may deny for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., true force majeure), but claims often succeed. Services like Flightright, backed by legal experts, simplify the process amid complex rules.
Cancellations trigger similar rights to care and compensation, with conditions.
If notified <14 days before departure, expect priority rebooking at no extra cost, plus meals, calls, and accommodation if needed. Opt out for full refund within 7 days. Written rights info required at check-in/boarding.
Applies to EU/France/etc. departures; EU airlines from non-EU to EU; local rules otherwise.
Due if canceled <14 days out and route qualifies (EU departure/arrival, or EU airline to EU).
Amounts by distance:
Note: Halved if rebooking arrives ≤2 hours late (≤1,500 km), ≤3 hours (>1,500 km intra-EU/1,500-3,500 km), or ≤4 hours (other). Denials possible for force majeure or external strikes (e.g., air traffic control). Claim by registered letter; 5-year limit in France.
