Passenger rights rules differ by country and by where your flight departs from or is operated by, but the general shape of the protections is similar almost everywhere: the longer the delay and the more it's the airline's fault, the more you're typically owed.
What usually triggers compensation
- •A cancellation the airline didn't tell you about with enough advance notice
- •A delay past a set threshold (commonly measured in hours) that's within the airline's control
- •Denied boarding due to overbooking
- •Downgrade to a lower class than you paid for
What usually doesn't qualify
Delays and cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances — severe weather, air traffic control restrictions, security incidents, or strikes outside the airline's own staff — are commonly exempt from cash compensation, though the airline is still typically required to rebook you or refund the fare.
What airlines generally owe you regardless
- •Rebooking on the next available flight, or a full refund if you no longer want to travel
- •Reasonable meals and refreshments during long delays
- •Hotel accommodation and transport if you're delayed overnight
- •Two phone calls, emails, or faxes where relevant
How to actually file a claim
- •Keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any written notice of the delay or cancellation.
- •Note the actual departure and arrival times, not just the scheduled ones — airport display boards or flight-tracking sites are useful evidence.
- •File directly with the airline first, in writing, and keep a copy.
- •If the airline denies or ignores a valid claim, your national aviation authority or consumer protection body is the next step, and third-party claims services exist if you'd rather not do the paperwork yourself (for a cut of the payout).