Know your air passenger rights
Learn about your air passenger rights according to the US, EU and the UK. Know exactly what you're entitled to.
Air Passenger Rights
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What are air passenger rights?
Air passenger rights are regulations that protect the rights of the passenger(s) in the event of a flight delay, cancellation or denial of boarding.
Of the millions of flights that are delayed a year, a significant chunk of them warrant compensation. However, because people aren't aware of this, they aren't being reimbursed. This is because compensation won't automatically be given to you. Instead, you'll have to submit a claim by contacting the airline you flew with.
Through reading this guide, you'll learn what does and doesn't entitle you to compensation, so that if there's a problem with your flight in the future, you can be reimbursed.
US air passenger rights
Learn what entitles you to compensation as a US citizen.
Flight delays and cancellations:
- If the airline is at fault, you may be compensated. Things outside of the airline's control, such as extreme weather, are unlikely to constitute compensation.
- Food and drink are provided at the airport after 3 hours of tarmac delays.
- May be offered compensation for international flights, but this varies between airlines and is not a requirement.
Denial of boarding:
- You'll be compensated if your flight was overbooked, and you were involuntarily moved to a later flight.
EU air passenger rights
If you live in a country that's a member of the European Union, this is what entitles you to compensation.
Flight delays and cancellations:
- If an EU carrier cancels your flight.
- You miss a connecting flight because of a previous flight delay of 3 hours or more.
- The flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
- You arrive more than 3 hours late to your destination.
- If your flight was bought forward by more than an hour.
- Meals and refreshments if flights are cancelled while you're at the airport.
- Overnight accommodation for cancellations that are late at night.
Denial of boarding:
- You'll be compensated if your flight was overbooked, and you were involuntarily moved to a later flight.
UK air passenger rights
As the UK is no longer part of the EU, the air passenger rights of its citizens vary slightly compared to other parts of Europe.
Flight delays and cancellations:
- If you arrive more than 3 hours late to your destination and the delay has been caused by the airline rather than factors beyond the airline's control, such as weather, air traffic, or political instability, you'll be compensated.
- If your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
- For delays of 2 hours or longer, you're entitled to meals and refreshments.
- If a delay or cancellation means you'd be staying overnight, you're entitled to hotel accommodation and transportation to the hotel.
Denial of boarding:
- You'll be compensated if your flight was overbooked, and you were involuntarily moved to a later flight.
How much could I be compensated?
Flight delays
If you qualify for compensation due to delays, the amount of money you receive will depend on:
- How delayed your flight was.
- The length of your flight.
The longer your flight was delayed and the longer the trip, the more compensation you're entitled to. For example, in the UK, if your long-haul flight is delayed and you arrive at your destination 4 hours or longer behind schedule, you'll receive the highest amount of compensation, which is £520.
Flight cancellations
If your flight is cancelled, you'll be reimbursed the cost of your ticket and may be entitled to additional compensation. The compensation amount will depend on:
- How long your flight should have been. Longer flights equal higher compensation.
Denial of boarding:
If you're involuntarily denied boarding because an aircraft is overbooked, then you will be compensated, with the amount depending on:
- The flight distance.
You will also be given a new flight free of charge.
Air passenger rights tips
Be cautious about vouchers 🎟️
Vouchers often have restrictions, such as which airline they can be used with and when they have to be used by. By accepting a voucher as compensation for flight disruptions, you'll have less freedom than if you'd chosen to be compensated directly into your bank account.
Keep receipts 🧾
If the airline offers to pay for your accommodation and food while you wait for a later flight, ensure you keep all your receipts, as you'll likely have to pay with your own card and then get reimbursed at a later date.
Stay calm 😮💨
Staying calm is essential. Flight delays and cancellations can be extremely stressful. Now that you know your rights, you can stay level-headed and ensure you're at least compensated for your time.
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Air Passenger Rights FAQs
What can I do if I have been downgraded on my flight?
For UK, US and EU citizens, if your airline downgrades you to a lower class than the one you booked, you're entitled to compensation. See our guide on involuntary downgrades for more information.
How do I file for compensation?
If you believe you are owed compensation, you must contact the airline you flew with/ were meant to fly with. Compensation isn't automatically given, so you must reach out to the airline.
How do I make a complaint against an airline?
If you believe you were unfairly treated by an airline or not given the compensation you were owed, you can make a complaint with the airline directly. You can also contact your Department of Transportation, which will review the complaint and work out potential next steps.
Are refunds the same as compensation?
No refunds are not the same as compensation. A refund is a repayment of a product, while compensation is when you receive something, such as money or vouchers, to make up for a negative experience. For example, if your flight is cancelled and you choose not to fly again, you'll be refunded. This doesn't necessarily mean you'll be compensated. If you were to be compensated, then you'd receive something in addition to the repayment of your flight tickets.
What happens if I cancel my flight?
If you decide to cancel your flight yourself, you won't be compensated, and you may or may not receive a refund. To ensure you're refunded, purchase a refundable ticket or Alternative Airlines' cancellation protection. The latter grants you a refund if you cancel because of an emergency.