Delayed Flight Compensation: Everything You Need to Know

Generally, a two-hour delay does not entitle you to financial compensation, but it does activate the right to free assistance, such as refreshments, meals, and means of communication. The right to compensation arises starting from a minimum delay of three hours at the final destination, provided the delay is not caused by extraordinary circumstances.

The amounts provided are the same as for cancellations and are determined based on the flight distance, if the delay at the final destination exceeds 3 hours: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km; €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km; €600 for flights over 3,500 km, only if the delay is more than 4 hours.

No. The relevant criterion is not the departure time, but the actual arrival time at the final destination. If the aircraft arrives with less than a 3-hour delay, no compensation is granted, even if the departure was significantly delayed.

If all flight segments were booked together as part of a single journey, and the delay at the final destination is over 3 hours, you are entitled to compensation. You also have the right to re-routing or reimbursement, depending on your choice.

Yes. Technical faults are, in most cases, considered to be within the airline's control. Therefore, if the delay is over 3 hours and there are no extraordinary circumstances, compensation is due.

If the plane is on the tarmac and the delay exceeds 3 hours, and the flight does not take off anymore, it is considered a cancelled flight, and the passenger's rights may include compensation, reimbursement, or re-routing. If the flight takes off, only the arrival time matters.

Yes. A delay involves postponing an already planned flight, while rescheduling involves changing the flight time or date with prior notification. If rescheduled more than 14 days in advance, compensation does not apply. If notification is given less than 14 days before, the same rules as for cancellations may apply.

Yes, for flights over 3,500 km arriving with a delay between 3 and 4 hours, the airline can reduce the compensation from €600 to €300 if they offer efficient re-routing and the final delay is under 4 hours.

Ideally, you should keep any document confirming the arrival time (boarding pass, proof of scanning at the gate, emails, or screenshots of the flight status). However, the airline is obliged to provide official information regarding the arrival schedule and the cause of the delay upon the passenger's request.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has established that the actual arrival time is the moment the aircraft doors open at the destination, allowing passengers to disembark. It is not sufficient for the plane to land or reach the gate.

Typically, delays caused by air traffic control are classified as extraordinary circumstances, being outside the airline's control. In these cases, compensation is not granted, but the obligations regarding assistance (meals, drinks, communication, accommodation) remain valid.

Yes. As with cancellations, the time limit depends on national legislation. In Romania, the general statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of the flight. After this period, the right to claim compensation expires.

If your claim remains unanswered or is unjustifiably rejected, you can file a complaint with the national aviation enforcement body or initiate legal proceedings. You can also collaborate with a specialized service that handles the entire procedure on your behalf.