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EU Passenger Rights - Protected By Regulation 261/2004

If your flight is delayed, cncelled, or overbooked, EU law is your side. accommodation if an overnight stay is required.

You may be entitled to compensation upto €600

Table of Contents

  • Regulation EC 261/2004: What It Means for Flight Delays & Cancellations
  • Passenger Rights: When You’re Eligible
  • Passenger Rights Under EU261: What’s Covered vs What’s Not
  • EU261/2004 at a Glance: Your Flight Compensation Rights
  • When EU261 Passenger Rights Do Not Apply
  • Passenger Rights at a Glance (EU261/2004)
  • For Quick Reference
  • FAQs: Am I Eligible for EU261 Passenger Rights?

Regulation EC 261/2004: What It Means for Flight Delays & Cancellations

Since 2004, the European Union’s Regulation EC 261/2004 has protected air passengers across Europe, ensuring they are not left stranded or uncompensated when flights are Delayed, Cancelled, or or overbooked..

This regulation gives travelers the right to claim up to €600 in compensation depending on flight distance and total arrival delay. It also sets out clear rules for refunds, rebooking, and passenger care (such as meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation when required).

Whether your flight was Delayed, Cancelled, or or denied boarding. EU261 ensures you are legally protected. Understanding these rights is the first step to successfully claiming what you’re entitled to.

Check your compensation eligibility — it only takes 2 minutes

Passenger Rights: When You’re Eligible

Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004,air passengers are protected in cases of cancellations, delays, denied boarding, or downgrading.However, to qualify for these rights, certain eligibility conditions must be met.

You are eligible for EU261 rights if:
  • Confirmed Reservation: You hold a valid booking on the affected flight.
  • Checked In on Time: You completed check-in as instructed by the airline, or no later than 45 minutes before departure if no time was specified.
  • Publicly Available Fare: Your ticket was purchased at a publicly available fare, either directly or indirectly (including frequent flyer rewards).
  • Flight Route & Airline:
    • Your journey departs from any EU airport, regardless of the airline, OR
    • Your flight is operated by an EU-based airline and departs from a non-EU country to the EU (unless local non-EU regulations apply instead).
Why eligibility matters:

Meeting these criteria ensures that you can claim compensation (up to €600) or receive care and assistance such as meals, accommodation, and rebooking, depending on the disruption.

Passenger Rights Under EU261: What’s Covered vs What’s Not

What’s Covered (Eligible for EU261 Protection)
  • You hold a valid booking with a confirmed reservation.
  • You checked in on time (at least 45 minutes before departure if not otherwise stated).
  • Your ticket was bought at a public fare (online, travel agency, airline desk).
  • Your flight departs from an EU airport, no matter which airline operates it.
  • Your flight arrives in the EU on an EU-based airline, even if it started outside the EU.
  • Flights booked with loyalty points or frequent flyer miles (under normal conditions).
What’s Not Covered (Not Eligible)
  • You don’t have a confirmed reservation.
  • You missed the check-in deadline or arrived late at the gate.
  • Tickets issued at special rates not available to the public, such as airline staff discounts.
  • Your flight lands in the EU but is operated by a non-EU airline
  • Your flight departs from a non-EU country on a non-EU airline.
  • Free or promo tickets not available to the public.

Quick Tip: Always check your boarding pass, airline country of registration, and departure airport to see if EU261 applies.

EU261/2004 at a Glance: Your Flight Compensation Rights

What It Covers
  • Flights departing from the EU (any airline).
  • Flights landing in the EU if operated by an EU airline.
When It Applies
  • Flight delays of 3+ hours.
  • Cancellations without sufficient notice.
  • Denied boarding due to overbooking.
Quick Facts: Passenger Rights
  • Compensation Amounts:Payments range from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance and length of delay.
  • Right to Care: Airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and communication during delays, plus hotel accommodation for overnight disruptions.
  • Rebooking & Refunds: In cases of cancellations or long delays, passengers have the right to a ticket refund or alternative transport at no extra cost.
  • Claim Deadlines: Travelers can file claims up to 3 years after the incident (time limits vary by country).
  • Extraordinary Circumstances: Airlines are not liable if disruptions are caused by factors beyond their control (e.g., severe weather, political unrest).
  • Scope of Regulation: Applies to all flights departing from the EU and to flights arriving in the EU if operated by an EU-based airline

When EU261 Passenger Rights Do Not Apply

While Regulation EC 261/2004 provides strong protection, there are some clear exceptions:

  • Special Fares & Free Tickets: If your flight ticket was free or issued under a special fare not available to the general public (e.g., airline staff discounts, promotional giveaways), you are not entitled to compensation.
  • Late Arrival at the Gate: If you miss your flight because you didn’t check in on time (generally at least 45 minutes before departure), EU261 will not apply. Compensation is only possible if the delay or cancellation was the airline’s responsibility.

Passenger Rights at a Glance (EU261/2004)

EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 clearly defines the rights of air passengers in cases of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding due to overbooking. The regulation outlines three main categories of passenger entitlements: financial compensation, assistance services, and reimbursement or rebooking options.

Right
  • Compensation (Cash Payment)
  • Assistance Services (Care at the Airport)
  • Reimbursement of Ticket Cost
  • Alternative Transportation (Rebooking)
When It Applies
  • Flight delayed 3+ hours, cancelled, or denied boarding (unless due to extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather)
  • Any long delay (starting from 2+ hours depending on distance) or cancellation while waiting
  • Flight cancelled OR delayed 5+ hours and passenger chooses not to travel.
  • Cancellation, long delay, or denied boarding
What You’re Entitled To
  • €250 – €600 depending on flight distance
  • - Snacks, meals, and refreshments- Two free phone calls, faxes, or emails- Hotel accommodation (if overnight)- Transport between airport & hotel
  • Full refund of unused ticket portion
  • Rebooking on the next available flight to destination at no cost
Key Notes
  • Based on distance, not ticket price. Paid in cash, bank transfer, or voucher (only if the passenger agrees)
  • Care must be proportionate to waiting time. Provided free of charge by the airline.
  • Refunds must be processed quickly. Passengers may also claim compensation if applicable.
  • Must be provided at the earliest opportunity, even on another airline if needed.

Important: These rights are independent. A passenger can receive both care and compensation, or request rebooking and compensation, depending on the situation.

For Quick Reference

Don’t let a missed connection cost you—check your claim in minutes.

FAQs: Am I Eligible for EU261 Passenger Rights?

No. To be eligible, you must check in by the airline’s deadline, or at least 45 minutes before departure if no time is specified.

Yes. Tickets booked using loyalty programs or rewards are covered, as long as they were issued under standard terms.

If your flight departs from the EU, you’re covered regardless of airline.

If your flight arrives in the EU but is operated by a non-EU airline, EU261 rights do not apply.

No. Tickets that are not available to the general public (such as staff discounts or special fares) are excluded.

Yes, as long as you have a confirmed reservation and meet the check-in requirements.