According to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, you have specific rights as an air passenger. These rights include:
1. Financial Compensation: You may be entitled to financial compensation for the inconvenience caused by the delay or cancellation of your flight.
2. Reimbursement or Re-routing: You have the right to be reimbursed for your ticket or to be re-routed to your final destination.
3. Care: You are entitled to receive care free of charge, which includes hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary, meals and refreshments, and transportation between the airport and the place of accommodation.
Conditions for EU Flight Delay Compensation
You are entitled to compensation under EU air passenger rights in the following circumstances:
- If your flight is operated by an EU airline or a non-EU airline within the EU.
- If your flight originates from outside the EU but is operated by an EU airline.
- If your flight departs from the EU to a non-EU country, regardless of whether the airline is EU-based or not.
- If you have not already received compensation, been re-routed, or received assistance from the airline for the flight-related issues under the relevant laws of a non-EU country.
Eligibility for Flight Delay Compensation
To be eligible for flight delay compensation, passengers must have a confirmed reservation for the specific flight and adhere to the following check-in requirements:
- Arrive for check-in at the designated time, as communicated in advance and in writing (including electronically) by the airline, tour operator, or authorized travel agent.
- If no specific check-in time is provided, arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
- Passengers who were transferred by an airline or tour operator from their originally booked flight to a different flight, regardless of the reason, are also eligible for compensation.