The EU regulation 261/2004 is the European law designed for air passengers faced with severe flight disruptions. This includes flight delays, flight cancellations, missed connecting flights, and denied boarding. It feels good to know that you are protected under the law while flying but how do you know whether or not it applies to you?

What Does the EC 261 Law Entail?

Under the EC 261 law, you are entitled to certain things to cover up for the inconvenience caused by the airline. This includes monetary compensation of between €250 and €600 that is calculated based on the flight distance as explained below:

Short distance – below 1500 km – €250
Medium distance – between 1500 km and 3500 km – €400
Long distance – above 3500 km – €600

This amount is not affected by the ticket price or if you’re booked alongside a group for a business trip or a holiday package. It also doesn’t waver if it’s a child affected.

In addition, you are entitled to the right to care. This includes access to internet and telephone services, complimentary snacks and drinks, and free hotel accommodation if you inevitably have to spend the night at the airport.

If your flight is delayed for more than 5 hours or eventually cancelled, you can request a seat on another flight at no additional cost to you. You are also entitled to a refund.

The law also requires that airlines inform you of your rights as an air passenger and notify you ahead of time of any possible flight disruption.

When Am I Eligible for Flight Compensation?

You are eligible for compensation under the EU 261/2004 regulation if you meet the following criteria:

You have a valid ticket and booking confirmation.
Your flight is taking off from the UK or any EU member state.
Your flight is with a European airline and it is landing in an EU member state.
In the case of a flight delay, you already checked in at the airport at least 45 minutes before departure.
Your flight arrived at its destination three or more hours later than the originally scheduled arrival time.
You were informed of the disruption less than 14 days before departure.
The reason behind the delay or cancellation is within the airline’s control.
You missed a connecting flight due to a delay on the previous flight.
The flight was overbooked and as a result, you couldn’t get a seat on the flight.

This law doesn’t apply to you if you are booked on a free or discounted ticket that is unavailable to the public. Also, in cases of extraordinary circumstances like earthquakes or global health policies affecting flights, airlines are not obligated to compensate you.

How Can I Claim Compensation?

Once you have confirmed that you meet the criteria and are eligible for flight compensation under the EC 261 law, you can take action. Get the airline to confirm the reason behind the disruption and gather all relevant documents. Hire an attorney or a company like Flightright to help make the process seamless.