If you arrive at your domestic destination 2+ hours later than your original arrival time, international destination 4+ hours later than your original arrival time, or if the airline does not make substitute travel arrangements for you, you will be compensated for 400% of your one-way ticket price or a $1,550 maximum.

In 2026, a 2-hour delay generally triggers "Right to Care" assistance rather than financial compensation, though rules vary by region. Under EU/UK Regulation 261 (and similar 2026 revisions), for a delay of 2 hours on a short-haul flight, the airline is legally required to provide you with food and drink vouchers and two free phone calls or emails. If the delay occurs in India, as of February 2026, the DGCA has tightened refund and assistance norms, though a 2-hour delay typically only requires the airline to keep you informed and provide basic refreshments. Financial cash compensation usually only starts if the delay at your final destination exceeds 3 or 4 hours (depending on the distance of the flight). If the delay is caused by "extraordinary circumstances" (like extreme weather or an air traffic control strike), the airline is still responsible for your care but may be exempt from paying a cash settlement. Always ask for a written statement of your rights at the airline's customer service desk.