Your rights
Know your rights as an air passenger
The complete guide to EU Regulation 261/2004 — from eligibility and compensation amounts to your rights during delays and cancellations.
Check compensationWhen you're entitled to compensation
EU Regulation 261/2004 protects you in three main situations:
A delay of 3 hours or more
If your flight arrives at its final destination 3 hours or more late, for reasons within the airline's control, you're entitled to compensation of up to €600.
Cancellation without 14 days' notice
If your flight is cancelled without at least 14 days' notice before departure, you're entitled to compensation — unless you're offered a suitable alternative.
Denied boarding due to overbooking
If you're denied boarding at the airport because the flight was overbooked, the airline owes you immediate compensation.
How much compensation are you owed?
The amount depends on your flight distance, under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Up to 1,500 km
250 €
e.g. Tirana – Rome
1,501–3,500 km
400 €
e.g. Tirana – London
3,501 km or more
600 €
e.g. Rome – New York
Your rights during delays
Free food, drinks, and communication
Free food and drinks in reasonable relation to your waiting time, plus two free communications (calls or emails).
Hotel accommodation
If the delay requires an overnight stay, the airline must provide free hotel accommodation, plus transport to and from the airport.
Alternative transport
You have the right to choose between rebooking on the next available flight, a full refund of your ticket, or a return to your original point of departure.
The right to information
The airline is required to inform you in writing of your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004.
When compensation does NOT apply
There are cases where the airline isn't required to pay financial compensation:
Extraordinary circumstances
Severe weather, political instability, security risks, or strikes unrelated to the airline's operations exempt it from paying compensation.
14 days' notice or more
If the airline notifies you of a cancellation at least 14 days before departure, you're not entitled to financial compensation.
An alternative within the regulation's limits
When you're offered an alternative flight within the regulation's limits (arriving up to 4 hours late with 7–13 days' notice, or up to 2 hours late with under 7 days' notice), compensation typically doesn't apply.
Non-EU route with a non-EU airline
Flights that depart and arrive outside the European Union, operated by a non-European airline, are not covered by this regulation.
How to claim your compensation
Four simple steps to secure the rights you're owed:
01
Check your eligibility
Assess whether your flight meets the conditions of EU Regulation 261/2004: a 3+ hour delay, a cancellation without notice, or denied boarding.
02
Gather your documents
Keep your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any correspondence with the airline.
03
Submit your claim
Send your claim with all your flight details and supporting documents.
04
Receive your compensation
Once your case is resolved successfully, your compensation is transferred directly to you.
Frequently asked questions
When does EU Regulation 261/2004 apply?
The regulation applies to all flights departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline, as well as to flights arriving in the EU when operated by an EU-licensed airline.
What counts as 'extraordinary circumstances'?
Extraordinary circumstances include severe weather, political instability, security risks, and strikes unrelated to the airline's operations. In these cases, the airline isn't required to pay compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The time limit to file a claim ranges from 2 to 6 years, depending on the country, so you can still claim compensation for past flights within that window.
What documents do I need for my claim?
You'll need your booking confirmation, boarding pass, a form of identification, and any correspondence with the airline about the incident.
Can I claim compensation for older flights?
Yes. You can claim compensation for flights from recent years, within the legal time limit of the relevant country, which can be up to 6 years.
What happens if the airline refuses my claim?
If the airline refuses or delays its response, the claim can be escalated to national enforcement bodies or, if necessary, taken to court.