Know your rights
If your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, EU law may entitle you to compensation, often without you realising it. Here's what you're owed and when.
What EU Regulation 261/2004 covers
EU261 protects air passengers when flights are delayed, cancelled, or overbooked. It entitles eligible passengers to fixed cash compensation from the airline, separate from any refund or rebooking.
When you're covered
You're covered when your flight departed from an EU or EEA airport (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) on any airline, or arrived into the EU/EEA from outside on an EU or EEA carrier.
How much you can claim
- Up to 1,500 km → €250
- 1,500-3,500 km → €400
- Over 3,500 km → €600
The amount is based on flight distance, not the price of your ticket.
Delays
You're generally entitled to compensation if you arrived at your final destination 3 hours or more later than scheduled.
Cancellations
You may be entitled to compensation depending on how much notice the airline gave (generally less than 14 days) and whether a suitable alternative was offered.
Denied boarding / overbooking
If you were denied boarding due to overbooking and you didn't give up your seat voluntarily, you're generally entitled to compensation.
When airlines don't have to pay
Airlines can be exempt for 'extraordinary circumstances' outside their control, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or security risks. Technical faults and routine operational issues usually don't count.
How QuietClaim helps
Most people never claim what they're owed: not because they're ineligible, but because it feels like too much effort. QuietClaim checks eligibility in minutes and, if you qualify, files and manages the claim for you. No win, no fee. 25% fee on success only. Check my compensation.
This page is a general guide to your rights and not legal advice. Your specific entitlement depends on the facts of your flight.