What the rules address
Australia does not use a universal EU261-style per-flight fixed compensation formula. Passenger remedies depend on services, consumer guarantees, the terms of carriage and the circumstances of delay, cancellation or failure to deliver.
Delay and cancellation
Check the specific airline’s disruption, rebooking and refund policies. Keep records of reasonable extra expenses and communications. Seek official consumer guidance for unresolved issues.
Baggage and missed connections
For missing or damaged baggage, report immediately and follow the operating airline’s claims procedure and relevant liability limits.
What to do first
- Save your booking confirmation, boarding pass, receipts and messages from the airline.
- Record actual arrival time, the incident category and any written explanation.
- Request assistance or a refund/reroute through the operating airline.
- Check official regulator guidance before submitting any compensation claim.
Delayed, cancelled or missed your connection?
When travel plans change, contact the operating airline first and ask about the next available flight, refund or support. Keep all notifications and receipts. Your route and circumstances matter more than a headline about compensation alone.
Get an immediate step-by-step checklist.
Cancellation or refund helpUnderstand the practical options to discuss with your airline.
Check your flight situation
Enter your departure and arrival airports, airline and delay details to see which rights may apply.
CHECK MY FLIGHT RIGHTSQuestions about AUSTRALIA · CONSUMER LAW passenger rights
Can I get compensation when my flight is delayed?
Possible compensation depends on the Australian rules that apply to your flight, actual arrival delay, operating airline and the reason for the disruption. There is no universal payout for every delay.
What should I keep after a cancelled flight?
Keep the booking confirmation, cancellation message, boarding pass, receipts, replacement travel details and any written explanation the airline provides.
Do I need to contact the airline first?
Usually the operating airline is the first contact for rebooking, refunds, care or a claim. Use the relevant regulator if you need to escalate a formal complaint.
Does a missed connection count as a delay?
The answer depends on whether the flights were on one booking, the final destination delay, the operating airline and the rules applying to the itinerary.