How to Get Compensated for a Delayed Flight

At some point, we all encounter a flight delay or cancellation. While it`s not uncommon for a plane to depart later than scheduled, if you end up waiting hours for takeoff, you should understand that you have rights.

Travelers can sometimes obtain financial remuneration or refund in the event of a late departure or cancelled flight. However, transport providers do not always adequately notify or advise that one may be owed reimbursement for such incidents, so the entitled traveler may remain unaware of their due compensation!

You should also know that compensation for flight delays in the United States differs from the European Union and other countries. Not only that, but the claims process is often lengthy and tedious, which can discourage many people.

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If you aren’t certain how to submit a claim or get reimbursed for a delayed flight, I’ll explain everything you need to understand in this guide:

• Reimbursement for delayed flights in the USA
• Reimbursement for delayed flights in the European Union
• How to get compensated for a delayed airline flight

Delayed flight compensation in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation(DOT), airlines are not required to offer a refund or compensation for flight delays, no matter how late they are. However, if it is a “significant delay,” which DOT determines on a case-by-case basis, passengers may receive a refund for items like checked baggage fees.

Additionally, each airline operating within the United States has its own policies regarding the compensation provided for extended flight delays, so based on the carrier you fly with, you may receive a smaller or larger compensation.

American Airlines delay compensation

Compensation for delays applies to American Airlines flights that are postponed more than three hours. You can also request a refund if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days prior to departure. You’ll need to make the request here.

Delta Airlines delay compensation

Reimbursement from Delta in case of flight delays is determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally, the carrier will rebook you on the next available departure or provide flight credits to use later. If you’re held up for 90 minutes or more, you can request a refund or money for food, drinks, and lodging here.

United Airlines delay compensation

United’s flight delay compensation permits you to sufficient food and drink, and two calls if you’re delayed two or more hours. For delays of five or more hours, you can receive reimbursement for lodging and transportation in addition to the previous advantages. If your flight is cancelled, you may be qualified for a refund, which you can request here.

Southwest Airlines delay compensation

Southwest Airlines` payment for delayed flights is quite strict, but you can always submit a request here, regardless of your ticket type. The most probable form of payment you’ll receive is a flight voucher.

Alaska Airlines delay compensation

For Alaska Airlines delays over three hours, you’re eligible for sufficient food and drink. If you need to stay at a hotel overnight owing to a flight cancellation or delay, you may receive reimbursement. For more assistance or to submit a claim, provide a request here.

JetBlue Airways delay compensation

JetBlue’s reimbursement for delayed flights includes several choices. You can get seated on the next available flight at no cost, receive a flight credit, or request a refund here.

Spirit Airlines delay compensation

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Air passenger rights in the European Union

Compensation for airline delays differs in some ways in the European Union. Flights within EU nations as well as those to and from the EU from non-EU countries fall under . This includes flights departing the EU bound for locations outside the bloc.

According to EU261 regulations, you’re entitled to adequate meals and two calls or emails if your flight is delayed. For delays of five hours or longer, the airline must refund your ticket, and if you missed a connecting flight due to the delay, the airline must provide transportation to the connecting airport.

If your flight is rescheduled for the following day due to a delay, you`re entitled to accommodation at a hotel and transportation to and from the airport.

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Delayed flight compensation in Europe (EU)

Airlines in the EU are accountable for flight delays that aren’t caused by “extraordinary scenarios” like weather, political unrest, airline strikes, and security risks.

Regarding compensation for cancelled flights under EU261 regulations, a cancellation refers to the following scenarios:

• The original flight was cancelled, and you were assigned to an alternate flight.
• The plane took off but had to return to the departing airport, so you were transferred to another flight
• The flight arrived at an airport other than the one listed on your itinerary (unless your ticket applies to rerouting, or the airport is in the same area as the original one)

Below, you’ll find specific guidelines on delayed flight compensation in the EU.

Compensation for domestic flight delays or cancellations

If you want to claim compensation for a delayed flight in the EU, here is what you’re entitled to according to the duration of the delay:

• Delays of two or more hours: sufficient food and drink, two contacts or emails, a hotel room, and transportation (if you need to spend the night)
• Delays exceeding 3 hours: €250 (approx. $250.60) refund for flights under 1,500 km
• Delays of 5+ hours: full reimbursement and €250 (approx. $250.60) compensation per flight under 1,500 km. If the flight is cancelled, you’ll receive payment and placement on another flight.

Compensation for international flight delays or cancellations

Similar to internal flights, reimbursement for global flight delays and cancellations is dependent on the kilometers of your trip. You’re eligible for reimbursement under these guidelines:

• Delays of 2+ hours for flights under 1,500 km: €250 (approx. $250.60) compensation
• Delays of 3+ hours for flights within the EU over 1,500 km AND all other flights between 1,500-3,000 km (932-1,864 mi): €400 (approx. $400.84) compensation
• Delays of 4+ hours for flights over 2,175 miles (3,500 km): €600 (approx. $601.26) compensation
• Delays of 5+ hours: full reimbursement and the choice to board the subsequent flight.

Being fully reimbursed for travel delays of 5 or more hours does not exempt you from potential refund amounts of €250, €400, or €600.

Regardless of the length of the delay, passengers are entitled to adequate food, drink, and a minimum of two calls or emails.

Delayed flight compensation for denied boarding due to overbooking

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If one encounters such a circumstance, the airline may try to negotiate by putting forth travel credits or another flight option. However, you are able to make a claim for delayed EU flight compensation between €250 (approx. $250.60) and €600 (approx. $601.26), along with coverage for food, beverages, lodging, and transportation.

In the USA, you may qualify for reimbursement of your flight cost, but it relies on the airline. Compensation usually equals double the one-way ticket price of the missed flight, up to $775 normally.

Reimbursement for lost or damaged luggage

If your luggage is lost or damaged during a flight with a U.S. airline, you can request compensation for the damage and/or the lost items in your suitcase. Compensation depends on the airline, and you should report the loss or damage before leaving the airport. That said, you have up to 45 days to request compensation.

In the EU, the process follows the same steps, however claims only must be made within seven days .

How to get compensated for a delayed flight

Now that you recognize what you qualify for, you must learn how to correctly claim reimbursement for a delayed or canceled flight.

In the U.S., you must contact the airline directly, as I mentioned in an earlier section.

If you’re seeking compensation for a delayed flight in the European Union, you must make a request directly to the airline and through the official European Union website.

In both instances, the process is slow, tedious, and irritating. Fortunately, there are services that can help to streamline the claims process for you, like AirHelp.

Getting flight delay compensation through AirHelp

Our preferred method for potentially claiming reimbursement for a delayed flight is utilizing AirHelp. They manage the entire procedure for you, meaning all you need do is enter your flight details to check if you’re eligible for a delayedflight refund.

If you have experienced flight delays or cancellations, you may upload associated documentation like your ticket, identification, and invoice directly on the AirHelp website. You`ll receive updates throughout the compensation process, and claims can be filed up to three years later.

If you’re qualified for flight delay reimbursement, AirHelp will take a percentage of your payment. So, while this service isn’t free, it saves you a lot of time, energy, and stress, so I think it’s well worth it. You can read more about customer opinions and our assessment of AirHelp in our guide.

Do credit cards and travel insurance compensate you for delayed or cancelled flights?

If you compensated for your flight with a travel credit card, you may be fortunate. There are additional options, but these cards cover lodging expenses and offer cancelled flight reimbursement in the form of airline miles:

• The premium charge card offered by American Express
• Highly Promoted Credit Card from Chase
• Chase Sapphire Reserve

Some travel insurance providers offer flight delay compensation. We’ve been utilizing Heymondofor years, and highly recommend them. Heymondo offers customizable policies that include trip cancellation coverage, COVID protection, and more.

Travelling with insurance coverage provides major conveniences like medical care abroad and protection for luggage from theft, loss, or damage. Thus, I consider travel insurance to be crucially important for complete peace of mind during trips.