EU261: Your rights as a passenger
EU Regulation 261/2004 gives you the right to financial compensation when your flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
What is EU261?
EU Regulation 261/2004 is a European law that protects air passengers. Passed in 2004, it establishes minimum rights for passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays. Airlines are legally required to pay compensation – but most passengers never claim it.
FlightRefund automates the entire claims process, from verifying your eligibility to sending legally compliant demand letters to the airline. You don't need to know the law – we handle it all.
Compensation amounts
| Flight distance | Compensation | You keep (after 15%) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 km | €250 | €212.50 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 km | €400 | €340 |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 | €510 |
Frequently asked questions
Which flights are covered by EU261?
EU261 covers all flights departing from an EU airport, and flights arriving in the EU on EU-based airlines. This includes flights within the EU, and international flights operated by European carriers.
How much compensation am I owed?
Under EU261, you can claim €250 for short flights (under 1,500 km), €400 for medium flights (1,500–3,500 km), and €600 for long flights (over 3,500 km). You qualify if your flight was delayed by 3+ hours or was cancelled.
What counts as a delay under EU261?
A delay of 3 hours or more at your final destination qualifies. Even if the delay was due to a knock-on effect from another flight, you may still be eligible.
What are "extraordinary circumstances"?
Airlines can deny compensation if the delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control – such as extreme weather, air traffic control strikes, or security threats. Technical faults and staff shortages generally do NOT count as extraordinary circumstances.
How long do I have to claim?
The time limit varies by country, but is typically 2–6 years from the date of the flight. We recommend claiming as soon as possible.
Why does FlightRefund only charge 15%?
We've built a fully automated platform that reduces our operating costs dramatically. Unlike traditional claim companies that rely on human-heavy processes, our AI handles everything – allowing us to pass the savings on to you.