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PASSENGER RIGHTS GUIDE / EUROPEAN UNION · EU261

Flight rights within and to Europe.

Travel disruption rules for covered journeys departing from the EU/EEA or arriving on an eligible operating airline.

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What the rules address

EU Regulation 261/2004 provides assistance, refunds/rerouting and, in qualifying cases, fixed compensation. Flights departing the EU/EEA are generally covered; inbound flights from outside require an eligible EU/EEA carrier. Different conditions can apply to complex itineraries.

Delay and cancellation

For certain qualifying arrival delays of three hours or more, possible compensation bands are €250, €400 and €600 depending on distance and itinerary. The highest band can be reduced by 50% for some delays of three to four hours. Exceptions, including qualifying extraordinary circumstances, are relevant.

Baggage and missed connections

Lost or delayed baggage is subject to separate claim and liability rules. Record the baggage issue at the airport and retain the property irregularity report and receipts.

What to do first

  1. Save your booking confirmation, boarding pass, receipts and messages from the airline.
  2. Record actual arrival time, the incident category and any written explanation.
  3. Request assistance or a refund/reroute through the operating airline.
  4. 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.

My flight has a problem

Get an immediate step-by-step checklist.

Cancellation or refund help

Understand 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.

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Questions about EUROPEAN UNION · EU261 passenger rights

Can I get compensation when my flight is delayed?

Possible compensation depends on the EU 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.