Your rights
Your passenger rights under EU261
EU Regulation 261/2004 ("EU261") gives you strong rights as an air passenger in case of delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Here we explain the basics — and how FlightClaimly can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
When does EU261 apply?
EU261 applies in the following situations:
- the flight departs from a country in the EU/EEA or the United Kingdom
- the flight arrives into the EU/EEA/UK with an EU-based airline
- you have a confirmed booking and checked in on time
Some connecting flights and itineraries with stopovers may also be covered, depending on how your ticket is booked. We help you assess this.
Which situations are covered?
You may be entitled to compensation if:
- your flight is heavily delayed at arrival (often 3 hours or more)
- your flight is cancelled on short notice
- you are denied boarding due to overbooking
In addition to compensation, you may be entitled to meals, drinks, hotel accommodation, and rebooking depending on the length of the disruption and your journey.
How much compensation can you receive?
Compensation mainly depends on flight distance and how much your journey was affected. Typical EU261 amounts are:
- up to €250 for short flights (approx. 0–1,500 km)
- up to €400 for medium-haul flights within the EU or up to 3,500 km
- up to €600 for long-haul international flights
The exact amount can vary depending on route, delay length, and any rebooking offered. FlightClaimly helps you calculate the correct level for your trip.
When are you not entitled to compensation?
The airline may avoid paying compensation if the delay or cancellation was caused by so-called "extraordinary circumstances", for example:
- severe weather or natural disasters
- security risks or airspace closures
- strikes outside the airline’s control (e.g. airport staff or air traffic control)
Technical issues or planning failures are often not considered extraordinary circumstances. Many airline rejections are incorrect — we can help you appeal.
What should you keep?
To pursue a claim, it helps if you have:
- booking confirmation or ticket (preferably as PDF or image)
- boarding pass if you managed to check in
- receipts for meals, hotel, or transport
- a short description of what happened (times, messages from the airline)
You can upload everything when you create a case with us — we’ll help you organise it.
Want to learn more about specific situations?
Read more about:
- Flight delays — what applies to long delays.
- Flight cancellations — your rights when a flight is cancelled.
- Frequently asked questions — short answers to the most common questions.