EU Flight Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about EU flight compensation and air passenger rights.

UK flight compensation rights are almost identical.

Are you eligible for EU flight compensation?

If there are problems with your European flight, you might be. Under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EC 261), eligible passengers can receive up to €600 each. For a family of four eligible passengers, that could mean up to €2,400.

Compensation may be available if:

You arrive at your final destination at least three hours late.
Your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, subject to the notice and alternative-flight rules.
You are denied boarding involuntarily because of overbooking, despite meeting the boarding requirements.

For delays and cancellations, compensation generally depends on whether the disruption was within the airline's responsibility. Many technical problems qualify, but extraordinary circumstances can exclude compensation. Not every disrupted flight is eligible.

The rules also apply to covered charter flights. Your nationality does not matter. In this FAQ, the European area covered by EC 261 includes the EU, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Coverage also depends on your departure airport and the operating airline, as explained below.

If you have doubts, start your claim so a partner can assess your flight. Claims are handled by partners on a no-win-no-fee basis under the partner's fee policy. The exact fees and terms are shown when applying, and you choose whether to proceed.

Does it apply also to UK flights after Brexit?

Similar passenger rights apply to many UK flights under the UK's version of Regulation 261, often called UK261. Coverage depends on the route and operating airline.

Many of the rules are similar, but UK261 compensation amounts are set in pounds sterling, not the same euro amounts listed below. A partner can assess which rules apply to your flight delay, cancellation or denied boarding claim.

Does it apply also to non-EU airlines?

It depends on where you are flying. EC 261 covers flights departing from the European area described above, including flights operated by non-EU airlines.

For flights arriving in that area from outside it, coverage generally requires an EU or other covered European operating airline. Benefits or compensation already received in the departure country can also affect your rights.

The airline took you to your destination. Can you still get compensated?

Yes, in many situations. Reaching your destination does not by itself remove your right to compensation. If you arrive at your final destination at least three hours late and the other eligibility conditions are met, you may receive up to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance and circumstances.

The airline cancelled your flight and refunded your money. Can you still get flight cancellation compensation?

In many situations, yes. A ticket refund and cancellation compensation are separate rights. If your flight is covered by EC 261 and you were notified less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to both, depending on the reason for cancellation and any alternative flight offered.

If you were notified at least 14 days in advance, cancellation compensation is generally not payable. You still have the choice of a refund for the cancelled flight or alternative transport under the applicable rules. That choice also applies when the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances.

If you choose a refund, you do not have to accept vouchers instead of money.

The airline gave you a free hotel room and took you to your destination. Can you still get compensated?

Yes, if you meet the compensation conditions. Assistance from the airline does not replace compensation.

On covered flights, the right to care can include meals, refreshments and, when an overnight stay is necessary, accommodation and transport between the airport and hotel. The assistance due depends on the disruption and waiting time. Extraordinary circumstances do not by themselves remove the right to care.

What if you do not want vouchers? Can you get money?

When compensation or a ticket refund is due, you do not have to accept travel vouchers. Under EC 261, payment can be made in money, for example by bank transfer; vouchers require your agreement.

If your flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, compensation may not be due, but you can still choose a ticket refund rather than alternative transport. You do not have to accept a voucher for that refund.

How much can you claim?

The standard EC 261 compensation amounts depend on flight distance:

€250 for flights of 1,500 kilometres or less.
€400 for flights within the EU of more than 1,500 kilometres, and other covered flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres.
€600 for other covered flights of more than 3,500 kilometres.

Compensation can be reduced in certain circumstances. For covered long-haul flights in the €600 band, an arrival delay of at least three but less than four hours may result in €300 instead of €600. Rerouting can also affect the amount payable.

These amounts are per eligible passenger. A family travelling together may therefore have a claim for each eligible traveller. Infants can qualify if they have an eligible ticket, but passengers travelling free of charge or on a reduced fare not available to the public are generally excluded. Being under two does not automatically establish eligibility.

For eligible tickets, the ticket price does not determine the compensation amount. Travel insurance is not required.

What does Refundor do?

Refundor helps you find information about your passenger rights and refers compensation claims to partners. Refundor is not the legal office handling your claim and does not act as your legal representative.

If you prefer not to deal with the airline yourself, you can apply through our claim form. Our partner assesses your eligibility and, if you choose to proceed under its terms, handles the claim, communication with the airline and any further action it agrees to take. You may need to provide documents or further information during the process.

How long does it take?

It varies. A straightforward claim may take around two to three months, but this is an estimate, not a guaranteed timeframe. The airline's response, the evidence needed and the process used all affect the timing.

If an enforcement body becomes involved, the process may take several additional months. If court action is needed, it can take a year or two, sometimes longer. The company working on your claim handles the claim and can explain the likely steps and timing for your case.

What is necessary to submit a claim?

Have your boarding pass or ticket and booking details ready. The company working on your claim may also request your passport or ID, authorisation to handle the claim, or other supporting documents.

Start your claim and enter the requested flight information, your full name and email address. Review the fees and terms before deciding whether to proceed.

How much does it cost?

Refundor refers your claim to a partner; the partner's fee policy applies. Claims are handled on a no-win-no-fee basis under that policy.

The exact fees and terms are shown when applying. You choose whether to proceed after reviewing them.

What if they cannot get your compensation?

Not every claim succeeds. Under the no-win-no-fee policy, no fee is payable for an unsuccessful claim, subject to that partner's working on your case terms. Read the exact policy and terms shown when applying before you decide to proceed.