For flight delays, each passenger is entitled to compensation if the flight arrives at its desination 3 hours late or more, plus expenses with food and beverages and, if needed, transportation and hotel accommodation.
Flight delay rights
Flight delays affect hundreds of people every day. However there are laws protecting your rights if the the airline is faulty – and if the delays are more than 3 hours. Passenger Rights in the European Union are ruled by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004. This Regulation establishes rules on compensation and assistance to passengers who experience flight problems. Other laws, regulations and Court judgements expanded or clarified those rights. Each EU country cant have his own laws that cannot refute or even reduce the Consumer Rights provided by EC 261/2004 Regulation.
Compensation Rules
When a flight is delayed you have the right to compensation if the delay is longer than 3 hours upon door opening at destination.
Besides, you also have the right to care: for every 2 hours delay some beverage and food should be offered to passengers. Also hotel and food if necessary. Whatever the reason, the airline must take care of you until you reach your final destination. This includes food, hotels, and transport.
– If your flight was inside the EU;
– If your flight arrived in the EU from outside and was operated by an EU airline;
– If your flight departed from the EU to a non-EU country;
– If you have not already received benefits for this flight problem under similar laws of a non-EU country.
Besides EU countries, Swiss, Norway and Iceland also adhered to this regulation. Other countries have similar regulations (Canada, Brazil, Turkey and others) but they are not covered by our services. All passengers have these rights, even those that are not EU citizens and/or live outside the EU.
You can claim compensation provided that the delay was not caused by “extraordinary circumstances” such as:
– Air traffic control decisions;
– Political instability;
– Adverse weather conditions;
– Natural fenomena like vulcanos;
– Security risks;
– Terrorism;
– Strike actions, if outside the airline.
Examples of situations that provide compensation
Airline operational issues
The airline had to cancel the flight because of a problem related to crew's illness or overtime, documents, cargo or fuel loading, etc
Airplane technical issues
It is the most frequent. Something is broken on the plane and needs to be repaired. Includes de-icing and accidents like bird or stairs strikes or blown tire.
Airplane rotation issues
The airline cancelled the flight due to previous delays or cancellations with that aircraft and was not able to replace it in due time.
Crew strike
Problems due to cabin crew or pilot strikes, that depend on the airline's management.
How much can you claim?
The amount of flight claim compensation you receive depends on the distance of your flight and can be €250, €400, or €600. You can also claim for care expenses with food, transport and accommodation as well as a refund of the alternative flight.
250€
Up to 1500 km
400€
From 1500 km to 3500 km
600€
More than 3500 km
How to claim Flight Cancellation Compensation Step-by-Step
Claiming your flight cancellation compensation with AireClaim is quick and simple:
1. Complete your flight compensation form
- Enter your departure airport and final destination.
- Indicate if you had connecting flights.
2. Add your disruption details
- Select the type of disruption (delay, cancellation, missed connection).
- Enter the scheduled and actual arrival times.
3. Provide the reason for the disruption (if known)
4. Review and submit
- We’ll analyse your case, contact the airline, and handle all the paperwork at no upfront cost.
Our process covers all types of air travel disruptions from cancellations to flight delays and missed flights — ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
You can start your claim now using our secure online form
FAQs About Flight Delay Compensation
Sometimes, it depends on whether the weather conditions meet the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” under EU 261. Severe weather events can be considered extraordinary circumstances under Regulation (EC) 261/2004. However, simple rain or moderate wind does not exempt the airline. The AireClaim team assesses each case individually and explains whether you are still entitled to compensation for a delayed flight, even if the airline claims bad weather.
If you missed a connecting flight due to a delay on your original flight (both booked on the same ticket), you are entitled to compensation calculated based on the total distance of the journey. See our missed flight compensation page for full details.
Yes. Regulation (EC) 261/2004 applies to all passengers, regardless of nationality, if the flight departed from an EU airport or landed at an EU airport operated by a European airline.
The time varies from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the airline. Ryanair, Wizz Air and EasyJet usually have faster processes. AireClaim actively follows your case and keeps you informed at every stage.
Yes. Airports in Romania (Henri Coandă — OTP, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, etc.) are EU airports, so any flight departing from here falls under Regulation (EC) 261/2004.
Yes. Wizz Air is an EU registered airline and is required to comply with European regulations. Please see the dedicated Wizz Air flight delay compensation page for specific details.