How far does EU261 compensation cover?

You can make an EU261 claim in any of the 27 states of the European Union. Besides these, EC Regulation 261 2004 also covers Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and 9 special member state territories. These territories are also known as the outermost regions of the European Union.



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When flying from the U.S. to Europe, only flights operated by an EU-based airline will be eligible for EU261 flight delay compensation. This means if the operating airline is Aer Lingus, Air France, Iberia, Icelandair, KLM, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss, TAP, or another EU-based carrier, the EU261 rule will apply.

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How to File Your Flight Compensation EU Claim
  1. Keep your important travel documents, e.g. your boarding pass.
  2. Find out why the flight was delayed.
  3. Hold onto proof of the delay.
  4. Make a record of when you arrived at your final destination.
  5. Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.


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Whenever a flight is canceled or delayed, it causes huge headaches for travelers, but they're not always owed the relief they think they deserve. U.S. airlines are not required to offer compensation for delays outside their control, like severe weather or air traffic control issues.

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The airline is required to compensate you for a canceled flight if you were notified less than 14 days before your original scheduled departure date. However, compensation is not required if the airline proves that extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather) caused the cancellation.

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You'll have to fill in the specific EU261 compensation form to make your claim. You can do this via the Delta website, or use AirAdvisor instead. If you choose us, you'll benefit from a team of friendly travel experts who can help you every step of the way.

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The main categories of events that are likely to be an extraordinary circumstance include: Weather conditions incompatible with the safe operation of the flight. Strikes (unrelated to the airline such as airport staff, ground handlers, air traffic control or border force) Acts of terrorism or sabotage.

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Flights under 1,500 km (932 miles): 250 euro (~$275) if you're delayed by at least two hours. Flights between 1,500 – 3,500 km (932 – 2,175 miles): 400 euro (~$440) if you're delayed by at least three hours. This also applies to any intra-EU flight over 1,500 km.

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There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed. Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers. If your flight is experiencing a long delay, ask airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.

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Overbooked flight compensation under US regulations
If the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, you are entitled to 400% of the one-way fare price, not to exceed $1,350 as well as any optional fees paid as part of your reservation (e.g. bag fees, seat upgrades, etc.).

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Send a demand letter to the airline (also known as an airline complaint letter). File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). File a small claims lawsuit against the airline.

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