What to Do When Your Flight Gets Delayed to and from Europe
When your flight is delayed to or from Europe, the experience can be frustrating and unpredictable. Still, you have rights, you have options, and you can take practical steps to stay in control. This guide explains what to do, how to navigate the delay and how you may be eligible for compensation, including the possibility to claim compensation.
Table of Contents
1. Stay calm and understand what is happening
Start by checking the actual length of the delay and the reason behind it. Ask the airline staff or check the airport screens and your airline app. Write down the estimated departure time and keep track of updates.
If you are flying from the EU, to the EU or on a European carrier, your flight may fall under the rules often referred to as EU 261. These rules protect passengers when flights arrive at their destination three hours or more behind schedule, as long as the airline is responsible for the delay.
2. Know your rights during the delay
Once your flight qualifies under EU rules, you gain what is called the right to care. Depending on the waiting time, the airline must provide meals, refreshments, and access to communication such as phone calls or emails.
If the delay continues and you need to stay overnight, the airline must arrange accommodation and transport between the hotel and the airport.
If the delay reaches five hours, you can choose not to travel anymore and ask for a refund, or request a return flight to your original point of departure if that makes more sense in your situation.
3. Decide whether to wait or change your plans
When a delay becomes significant, think carefully about your schedule. If you will miss important connections or events, ask the airline about rebooking options. Airlines often rebook passengers at no extra cost when large delays occur.
If you choose to cancel your trip instead, you can request a refund for the unused part of your ticket. If you plan to return home rather than continue your journey, ask the airline for assistance and written confirmation of your decision.
4. Keep all documents and evidence
Once a delay begins, save everything related to it. Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation. Take photos of the departure boards that show your delay. Save text messages, push notifications and emails from the airline.
It is also important to note your actual arrival time. Under EU rules, the arrival time is defined as the moment the aircraft door opens. If you pay for extra accommodation or transport, keep all receipts because you may be able to request reimbursement later.
5. Understand how compensation works
Passengers on flights to or from Europe may be owed compensation when the arrival at the final destination is three hours or more behind schedule and the airline is responsible for the disruption. The amount depends on flight distance and the length of the delay.
Shorter flights usually qualify for a lower compensation amount and long haul routes can qualify for higher amounts.
Flights departing from EU airports are always covered. Flights arriving in the EU are also covered if the airline is European. If the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions, compensation does not apply.
6. File a claim after your trip
When you return home, you can submit a claim directly to the airline. Provide your flight details, explain what happened, and attach all supporting documents.
Alternatively, you can use a specialised service that handles compensation for a delayed flight claims on your behalf. Services like AirHelp manage the paperwork and communication for you and work on a no win no fee basis. This option can be helpful when you want guidance or prefer not to deal with the airline directly.
7. Be aware of common obstacles
Airlines sometimes reject claims by stating that the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances. If you believe the delay was due to something within the airline’s control, you can challenge the decision or ask a specialist service to review it.
Be careful when accepting vouchers or goodwill offers. Some airlines include wording that waives your right to future compensation, so always read the conditions before accepting anything.
Time limits also apply. Claiming sooner rather than later increases your chances of success.
8. Turn a delay into a situation you can manage
A delayed flight is never ideal, but you can turn the situation into something manageable with the right steps. Stay informed, make use of the support available at the airport, save all evidence, and check whether you can receive compensation for the inconvenience.
Whether you deal with the airline yourself or seek help from a service like AirHelp, your chances increase if you act promptly and stay organised. A flight delay takes up your time, but the rules in place help ensure that your time is valued and your rights are protected.
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