Flight Delay Compensation Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate the potential compensation you might be entitled to under EU Regulation 261/2004 for delayed flights. This regulation applies to flights departing from an EU airport, or arriving at an EU airport on an EU-based airline.
Understanding Flight Delay Compensation (EU261/2004)
Flight delays can be incredibly frustrating, but did you know that in many cases, you might be entitled to financial compensation? The European Union's Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, often referred to as EU261, provides passengers with significant rights when their flights are delayed, cancelled, or they are denied boarding.
Who is Covered by EU261?
This regulation applies to:
- Flights departing from an airport located in the EU (regardless of the airline's operating country).
- Flights arriving at an airport located in the EU from outside the EU, if the operating airline is an EU-licensed carrier.
It covers all passengers, including infants, provided they have a confirmed reservation.
Key Conditions for Compensation
To be eligible for compensation under EU261, several conditions must be met:
- Delay Duration: Your flight must arrive at its final destination with a delay of 3 hours or more. The "arrival time" is defined as when the aircraft doors open, allowing passengers to disembark.
- Airline's Fault: The delay must be within the airline's control. This means the delay was not caused by "extraordinary circumstances."
- Claim Deadline: While EU261 doesn't specify a deadline, national laws in EU member states typically allow claims for delays up to 2-6 years after the incident.
What are "Extraordinary Circumstances"?
Airlines are exempt from paying compensation if the delay is caused by "extraordinary circumstances" that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples include:
- Severe weather conditions (e.g., heavy snow, storms, volcanic ash).
- Air traffic control (ATC) strikes or restrictions.
- Political instability or security risks.
- Hidden manufacturing defects affecting flight safety.
- Medical emergencies during the flight (though this can be debated).
It's important to note that common technical problems or operational issues are generally NOT considered extraordinary circumstances, as airlines are expected to maintain their fleet adequately.
Compensation Amounts Based on Flight Distance and Delay
The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the flight distance and the length of the delay at your final destination:
- €250: For all flights up to 1,500 km (e.g., London to Paris) delayed by 3 hours or more.
- €400: For all flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km (e.g., London to Athens), or all intra-EU flights over 1,500 km, delayed by 3 hours or more.
- €600: For all flights over 3,500 km (e.g., London to New York) delayed by 4 hours or more.
- €300: For all flights over 3,500 km delayed between 3 and 4 hours (the compensation is reduced by 50% in this specific scenario).
How to Claim Compensation
- Keep Records: Document everything – flight number, scheduled and actual departure/arrival times, reason for delay (if provided by the airline), and any expenses incurred.
- Contact the Airline: Write to the airline, clearly stating your flight details, the delay duration, and your claim for compensation under EU261.
- Be Persistent: If the airline denies your claim or doesn't respond, you can escalate your complaint to the relevant national enforcement body (NEB) in the country where the incident occurred or where the airline is registered.
- Consider a Claim Company: Many companies specialize in flight delay compensation claims, taking a percentage of the compensation if successful.
Examples:
- Example 1 (Short-haul): Your flight from Dublin to Amsterdam (750 km) is delayed by 3 hours and 15 minutes due to a technical fault with the aircraft. You would likely be eligible for €250.
- Example 2 (Medium-haul): Your flight from Berlin to Madrid (1,860 km) is delayed by 5 hours due to crew sickness. You would likely be eligible for €400.
- Example 3 (Long-haul, 3-4 hour delay): Your flight from Frankfurt to Dubai (4,800 km) is delayed by 3 hours and 50 minutes because of an unexpected maintenance issue. You would likely be eligible for €300.
- Example 4 (Long-haul, 4+ hour delay): Your flight from Paris to Montreal (5,500 km) is delayed by 6 hours due to an airline operational error. You would likely be eligible for €600.
- Example 5 (Extraordinary Circumstance): Your flight from Rome to London (1,430 km) is delayed by 7 hours due to a sudden, severe snowstorm that closed the airport. In this case, you would likely receive €0 compensation, as it's an extraordinary circumstance.
This calculator provides an estimate based on the general rules of EU261/2004. Actual eligibility and compensation can depend on specific circumstances and legal interpretations.