Passenger rights

EU 261: air passenger rights when flights are disrupted

The EU passenger rights regulation (often called EU 261) sets common rules on what assistance and compensation may be due to passengers when a flight is delayed, cancelled or boarding is denied.

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When do the rules usually apply?

flights departing from an EU member state airport;
flights arriving in the EU operated by an EU carrier;
passengers with a confirmed reservation who arrived at check-in on time.

In the United Kingdom after Brexit a separate but very similar regime applies, with amounts expressed in pounds sterling.

What rights does the regulation provide?

right to information about the disruption and your rights;
right to choose between a ticket refund or rerouting via an alternative route;
right to assistance while waiting – meals, communication, accommodation and transfer if necessary;
right to standard monetary compensation when the conditions are met.

Compensation amounts

Standard compensation is usually linked to flight distance and in certain cases can amount to:

€250 – for shorter flights;
€400 – for medium-distance flights;
€600 – for long-haul flights.

In certain cases, when an alternative flight is offered and the delay is small, compensation may be reduced. You can check the preliminary amount in the calculator.

When can the carrier be exempted from liability?

Standard compensation is usually not due if the carrier proves that the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Important: even in such cases the right to assistance and to a ticket refund or alternative route may remain.

How to submit a claim

gather copies of the booking, boarding pass and airline messages;
contact the carrier that operated the flight;
if no satisfactory response is received, contact the competent supervisory authority;
if necessary, defend your rights in court or through a representative.

This page is general information, not legal advice. We always assess each specific case individually.

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