Understanding your EU261 flight entitlements: Filing claims for flight delays or cancellations within the EU
The European Union's flight delay compensation rules, as outlined in Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, are set for an update in 2025. Here's a breakdown of the key changes that will affect passengers' rights.
Currently, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight arrives with a delay of 3 hours or more due to reasons within the airline's control. Compensation amounts depend on the flight distance, with €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km.
However, proposed reforms in 2025 will raise the delay threshold for compensation. For flights up to 3,500 km, the threshold will increase to 4 hours, while for long-haul flights over 3,500 km, the delay threshold will be raised to 6 hours. Correspondingly, compensation amounts will be adjusted to €300 for flights up to 3,500 km if delayed 4 hours or more, and €500 for flights over 3,500 km if delayed 6 hours or more.
Additional updates include a requirement for airlines to offer rerouting at the earliest opportunity, which may include other carriers or modes of transport. Passengers can arrange their own alternatives and claim reimbursement up to 400% of their ticket cost if rerouting is not offered within 3 hours. Minimum assistance standards have also been clarified, with airlines obligated to disembark passengers and provide food, accommodation, and communication support as needed if a delay exceeds 3 hours while passengers remain onboard.
These changes will raise the delay threshold required for compensation, thereby reducing the number of eligible passengers, though they aim to align with operational realities. The changes maintain basic consumer protections but reduce the scope of compensation compared to the previous rules.
It's important to note that earlier proposals considered raising the threshold even higher, to 5 hours, which would have significantly reduced passenger rights. However, the current agreed reform sets the thresholds at 4 and 6 hours respectively, which is still a relaxation from the previous 3-hour rule but less severe than the 5-hour proposal.
In summary, under the updated EU261 legislation starting in 2025:
| Flight Distance | Delay Threshold for Compensation | Compensation Amount (€) | |----------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------| | Up to 3,500 km | 4 hours or more | 300 | | Over 3,500 km | 6 hours or more | 500 |
Passengers are entitled to compensation only if delays exceed these new thresholds, representing a tightening of eligibility compared to the previous 3-hour rule and higher compensation levels.
Many passengers may not be aware of the financial compensation they can receive for long delays. It's crucial to understand your rights regarding flight delay compensation. If a flight is delayed more than five hours, passengers have additional rights to claim a refund or re-routing on the next available flight. A flight delay compensation calculator can help determine the amount of compensation a passenger is entitled to.
Technical problems on board planes no longer count as extraordinary circumstances, but technical issues on the ground can still result in compensation. Websites like AirHelp can help with flight delay compensation claims, showing the estimated claim amount before submission and having no charges if the airline never pays.
Remember, the right to flight delay compensation starts upon arrival at the destination, not departure, if the flight is more than three hours late. Volunteering to give up a seat, changing a flight, or accepting flight vouchers or deals at the desk may affect the right to claim flight delay compensation.
The Montreal Convention covers flight rights in around 120 countries, including rules and pacts for flight delay compensation. Travel insurance is essential for protecting passengers in case of flight delays or other issues. Extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather, crew strikes, or unsafe flying conditions, can exempt airlines from paying compensation.
In conclusion, while the changes to the EU261 legislation will impact the number of passengers eligible for compensation, it's essential for travellers to be aware of their rights and seek compensation when entitled.
- The proposed changes in the EU261 legislation, effective from 2025, will not only adjust the compensation amounts for delays but also revise the delay threshold for compensation in finance, which could affect some passengers' lifestyle when traveling.
- Understanding the revised EU261 regulations is crucial for travelers, as it provides insights into the financial compensation they may receive for long delays, contributing to their overall travel experience and financial planning.
