You're entitled to get compensation if the flight arrives more than 3 hours late and it's the airline's fault - for example, if they didn't get enough bookings or there was a technical fault.

If your flight is delayed over 3 hours, your rights depend on your location and the cause of the delay. Under EU 261/2004 (and the mirrored UK261 law), if you arrive at your destination more than 3 hours late and the delay was the airline's fault (e.g., technical glitch, crew scheduling), you are entitled to monetary compensation ranging from €250 to €600 (£220 to £520) depending on the flight distance. Additionally, once the delay hits the 2-hour or 3-hour mark, the airline is legally required to provide "duty of care," which includes food and drink vouchers, and two phone calls or emails. In the United States, there is no federal law for monetary compensation for delays, but as of 2026, many major airlines have committed to providing meals and rebooking you on the next available flight (including on rival carriers) if the delay is controllable. If the delay is due to "extraordinary circumstances" like a massive blizzard or air traffic control strikes, you generally won't get cash, but the airline still has an obligation to get you to your destination as quickly as possible.