Flight delays
Delayed flight — how to get compensation under EU261
A delayed flight can ruin plans, connections and holidays. EU261 gives you strong passenger rights — in many cases you may be entitled to compensation when you arrive late. Here are the basics.
When does a delay count as a major delay?
Under EU261, it’s mainly the arrival time that matters. You may be entitled to compensation when you:
- arrive 3 hours or more after the scheduled time
- miss connections and reach your final destination significantly late
- wait for a long time without reasonable assistance from the airline
Shorter delays usually don’t qualify for compensation, but may still give you a right to meals, drinks or rebooking. We help you assess what applies in your case.
How much can you receive for a delay?
Compensation levels for major delays are similar to cancellations and depend on the flight distance:
- up to €250 for shorter flights (approx. 0–1,500 km)
- up to €400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and for all other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
- up to €600 for other flights over 3,500 km
In some cases, amounts may be reduced if the airline rebooks you and you still arrive with a relatively small delay. That’s something we calculate for you.
Your rights while you wait
In addition to financial compensation, longer delays may give you a right to:
- meals and refreshments in a reasonable amount
- two free phone calls or messages
- hotel accommodation if you have to stay overnight
- transport between the airport and the hotel
- rebooking to a later departure, or a refund in some cases
Always keep receipts — you can often claim reimbursement for necessary expenses afterwards if the airline didn’t assist you at the airport.
When can the airline avoid paying compensation?
In some situations, the airline may cite “extraordinary circumstances” and deny compensation, for example:
- severe weather or natural disasters
- airport closures or airspace restrictions
- security threats or events outside the airline’s control
Technical faults, staff shortages or planning mistakes are usually not valid reasons to deny compensation. Many passengers get rejected the first time — that’s where we can help you escalate.
Examples: when you may be entitled to compensation
- Your flight from Stockholm to Barcelona lands 3 hours and 45 minutes late — you may be entitled to compensation.
- You miss your long-haul connection due to a delay on the first leg and reach your final destination more than 3 hours late — the whole journey may be covered.
- The flight is delayed 4 hours due to a technical fault — often compensable.
Want to learn more about the rules?
On the page Your rights you’ll find a broader overview of EU261 and what applies to cancellations, overbooking and other situations.
You can also check our FAQ for short answers to common questions.
For the full UK261 rules, time limits and examples, see our UK261 compensation guide.
Frequently asked questions
How late does my flight have to be to qualify for compensation?
You may be entitled to compensation if you arrive at your final destination 3 hours or more after the scheduled arrival time. It is the arrival time that counts, not the departure time.
How much compensation can I get for a delayed flight?
Under EU261 the standard compensation per passenger is €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and for other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 for other flights over 3,500 km. For flights over 3,500 km that are not within the EU, the amount can be halved if the delay at arrival is between 3 and 4 hours.
What am I entitled to while I wait?
With a delay of 2 hours or more on flights up to 1,500 km, 3 hours on flights within the EU over 1,500 km and other flights of 1,500–3,500 km, and 4 hours on other longer flights, you are entitled to meals and refreshments, two phone calls or emails and, if needed, a hotel and transport to it.
When does the airline not have to pay compensation?
When the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken, for example certain weather conditions or air traffic control decisions. Technical problems are normally not extraordinary circumstances.
Can I get my ticket refunded if the delay is long?
Yes. If the flight is delayed by at least 5 hours and you choose not to travel, you may be entitled to a refund of your ticket.