Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation: Your Rights (2026)

A cancelled or badly delayed flight can entitle you to up to €600 in cash — yet most passengers never claim it. Here's exactly when you're owed money, how much, and how to get it.

When is compensation due (EU261)?

EU Regulation 261/2004 covers any flight departing from an EU/EEA airport, and flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline. You may be owed a fixed cash payout when there is a 3-hour-plus arrival delay, a cancellation announced less than 14 days ahead, or denied boarding due to overbooking — provided the cause was within the airline's control (not "extraordinary circumstances").

Flight distance	Compensation
Up to 1,500 km	€250
1,500–3,500 km	€400
Over 3,500 km	€600

The €600 tier can be reduced to €300 on long-haul flights when the arrival delay is under four hours. A 2026 reform keeps the 3-hour threshold and these amounts; the new rules are expected to take effect only in the second half of 2027.

Flying to/from the US (DOT rules)

The US has no fixed EU-style cash payout, but under US Department of Transportation rules airlines must give an automatic, full refund (to your original payment method) when a flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel — even on non-refundable tickets. For controllable delays, major US carriers also commit to meals and hotel rebooking. Always request the refund in writing rather than accepting a travel voucher.

When compensation is NOT due

Airlines are exempt for extraordinary circumstances beyond their control: extreme weather, airspace closures, third-party strikes (e.g. air-traffic control), or security risks. A routine technical fault, however, usually does not count as extraordinary — so it still qualifies. Don't give up just because a gate agent says "nothing can be done."

At the airport — keep everything

• Photograph the departures board showing the delay/cancellation.
• Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation.
• Ask the airline for written confirmation of the delay's cause.
• Save receipts (food, hotel, taxi) — these can be reimbursed.

How to claim — and actually get paid

You can claim directly from the airline, but the process is often slow and bureaucratic. The easy route is a dedicated claims service that handles the paperwork and negotiation and only charges a fee if you win — so you pay nothing up front and take no risk.

🧮 Quick eligibility check