On the opposite end of the air travel spectrum are what you get and what you don't. It seems like it always feels that way these days.
Airlines have never been known for being overly generous when it comes to flight delays, cancellation or other accidents, but depending on where you are, you might be able to read the rules and get what you deserve. The rules are the rules.
There is a breakdown of what you are entitled to when your flight goes wrong, depending on where you are.
You can scroll to where makes sense for you. Thank you for traveling!
If you are not flying on a European airline, you can go from state to state. If you fly on Air France, you have better rights than everyone else.
The US Department of Transportation has not laid out many guidelines which airlines must follow.
The US Department of Transportation doesn't know what a "lengthy delay" is. In theory, airlines could say that delaying you 10 hours isn't "lengthy"
It doesn't matter what causes the delay, it's all the same. There are no automatic compensations.
If you are on a domestic or international flight with an airline that is based in Europe, you are left with no choice but to go to the US. Airlines in the USA don't have to give you a hotel room for the night or even give you vouchers if you want to switch airlines.
All of these things are done by the airline.
Even if you aren't entitled to anything, you can always file a claim with the airline and keep track of your expenses. They don't know if they will pay, but they do when things are reasonable.
If you want to get help from the airline about rebooking, a place to stay, or anything else, be sure to engage all of the possible points of contact. These nice people didn't delay your flight, so be nice, and anything they do for you is at their discretion.
In regards to airline overbooking or denied boarding is the only area where you actually have support in. Airlines will try to get people to volunteer for a later flight, which can bring up to $10,000 in vouchers per person, even on short delays.
The airline will owe you between 200-400% of the fare paid if you are denied boarding. They must show you in writing what you are entitled to at the time, and failure to do so would result in a fine for the airline.
Europe has more passengers back than any other region.
Not only are airlines obligated to put a roof over your head and keep you fed during any overnight delays, but they may also be on the hook for up to $600 per person in compensation for your wasted time. There is a penalty for bad service.
The cost of the penalties is higher than the ticket purchased, so passengers get paid to fly.
No matter how much we want the weather to be, it can't be controlled. The airline doesn't owe you any money if your flight is delayed leaving the EU or on a European airline.
If your flight is delayed more than two hours for short haul flights or more than four hours for long haul flights like London to New York, the airline needs to provide you with necessities. Even though the airlines are not to blame for the delay, they must give passengers something to sleep on.
If your flight is delayed or canceled due to weather, you can have the airline give you a new ticket to use at another airline. It doesn't have to be a partner airline for flights from the EU.
Don't settle for the first response from an agent saying "there are no flights until tomorrow" They need to endorse you over to the other airline if you find a ticket in the same cabin. Say you found a flight you want to be endorsed over to.
EU law can be presented to staff if they disagree.
The airline is supposed to let you know what's going on. Demand more from the airline if you're not. If you have to get your own lodging, be sure to keep all your receipts and try to get confirmation from the airline before booking.
This is where it all starts to get juicy.
Airlines like to create fake weather problems or air traffic flow issues in order to discourage people from claiming what they are owed. What's the reason?
The airline still has to fly you even if your flight is delayed for three hours or more. Even if your ticket costs less, it's still counted. This is applicable for...
The difference in time between when you were supposed to land and when you actually do is called a delay. It doesn't matter if you take off five hours late but land two hours late, it can happen.
| Flight Distance | Delay Length (Based Upon Scheduled Landing Time, Not Take Off Delay) | Compensation Due |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500km | 3 hours or more | €250 |
| 1,500km-3,500km | 3 hours or more | €400 |
| Over 3,500km | 3 hours or more & between 2 EU Member States | €400 |
| Over 3,500km | 3-4 hours | €300 |
| Over 3,500km | 4 hours | €600 |
It's possible that the airline paid you to fly, but they were the ones who made you late, so it seems fair. In order to be eligible, you need to gather data points and evidence in your favor.
Information on other flights which left on time will be gathered. AirHelp takes a 25% cut but handles any legal issues to get you paid, so it's worth it. It is better to have 75% of 600 than zero. It is possible to file a claim with the airline on your own, but if that doesn't work you can hire AirHelp.
It is important to remember that the person you are dealing with at the airline is rarely the same person who causes a delay or cancels a flight.
People are trying to get their job done. You know what you are dealing with by reading up in advance.
If you need to file a claim at a later date, be sure to give agents opportunities to help you by finding alternative flights that work, or asking for documentation of the reason for delay and other things which may help you. It is good to have this stuff, even though you will never need it. It's a happy day when you travel.
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