Reimbursement and Compensation for Flight Delays
A flight delay is undoubtedly one of the most common inconveniences for travelers. The European Court of Justice has equated flight delays of three hours or more with cases of flight cancellations or denied boarding due to overbooking, guaranteeing protection for affected passengers through the right to assistance, the right to a refund for flight delays, and the right to compensation.
Passenger Rights in Case of a Flight Delay
L’arrivo del volo in ritardo rispetto all’orario previsto, quindi, dà diritto ad un risarcimento (o indennizzo o compensazione pecuniaria) da un minimo di euro 250 fino ad un massimo di euro 600, nello specifico:
- € 250 per tutte le tratte aeree inferiori o pari a 1500 chilometri;
- € 400 per tutte le tratte aeree intracomunitarie superiori a 1500 chilometri e per tutte le altre tratte comprese tra 1500 e 3500 chilometri;
- € 600 per le tratte aeree che non rientrano nelle lettere a) o b).
La distanza viene calcolata dall’aeroporto del mancato imbarco, che potrebbe non coincidere con il luogo di partenza.
Compensation for a Delayed Flight
The arrival of a flight delayed beyond its scheduled time entitles passengers to compensation (also referred to as indemnity or pecuniary compensation) ranging from a minimum of €250 to a maximum of €600, specifically:
- €250 for all flights of 1,500 kilometers or less;
- €400 for all intra-EU flights of more than 1,500 kilometers and for all other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers;
- €600 for flights not falling under the categories above.
The distance is calculated from the airport of denied boarding, which may not coincide with the actual place of departure.
When Can You Claim Compensation for a Delayed Flight?
A passenger is entitled to claim compensation for a delayed flight operated by Ryanair, EasyJet, WizzAir or any other airline, except when the airline “can prove that the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken” (Article 5.3 of EU Regulation No. 261/2004). Extraordinary circumstances include:
- particularly adverse and unexpected weather conditions;
- strikes;
- security alerts.
IMPORTANT: In case of a delayed flight, passengers are still entitled to assistance or reimbursement of any expenses incurred as previously outlined. If the delay exceeds 5 hours, they also have the right to refuse the flight without penalty and request a ticket refund for the delayed flight.
How We Can Help You Get a Refund and Compensation for Delayed Flights
All statements made by the airline regarding any extraordinary circumstances are thoroughly verified to determine whether the passenger is also entitled to compensation. Moreover, in cases where legal action is necessary, RimborsoalVolo.it involves legal experts to ensure that all passenger rights are fully upheld.
Airport disruption? Claim compensation of up to 600€
Get compensation for flight delays, cancellationsor overbooking that occurred within the last 2 years.
