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Flight Delayed Compensation: What to Do When Your Flight’s Late? Here's Exactly What to Do – Step-by-Step Guide for Passengers

Woman checking delayed flight status on departure board at airport while calling airline and holding boarding pass.

Delays at the airport are frustrating—but did you know you might be entitled to compensation? If your flight has been delayed, cancelled, or even rescheduled at the last minute, you may not have to just accept the inconvenience. In many cases, airlines owe you more than an apology.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do when your flight is delayed—and how to claim the compensation you deserve.


 

Step 1: Find Out the Reason for the Delay

The first step is understanding why your flight is delayed. Ask airline staff or check the app or departure boards. The cause matters: if it’s within the airline’s control (e.g., staffing issues, technical problems), you may be eligible for flight delayed compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.


 

Step 2: When Are You Eligible for Flight Delayed Compensation?

Know your rights under EU261! If your flight is:

  • Delayed more than 3 hours

  • Departing from an EU airport (or with an EU airline)

  • And the delay wasn’t due to extraordinary circumstances

…then you're likely entitled to compensation—up to €600, depending on the distance of your flight.


 

Step 3: Keep All Your Travel Documents

Hang onto:

  • Your boarding pass

  • Booking confirmation

  • Any communication from the airline (emails, texts)

You’ll need these to file a claim.


 

Step 4: Ask for Basic Care from the Airline

If your delay is 2+ hours, airlines are required to offer:

  • Meals or vouchers

  • Refreshments

  • Hotel accommodation (if overnight)

  • Transportation to and from the hotel

Don’t be shy about asking—they’re legally obligated!


 

Step 5: Claim Your Compensation

You can try to file directly with the airline—but be prepared for delays, back-and-forth emails, or being ignored. That’s where Fair Flights steps in.

We handle everything for you—no win, no fee.


 

Bonus Tip: Delay Now? Still Claim Later!

In most cases, you can file a claim for delays up to 3 years in the past. So even if the frustration has passed, it’s not too late to be fairly compensated.






✈️ Flight delayed? Don’t let airlines waste your time. Let Fair Flights fight for what you’re owed—fast, easy, and risk-free.

 
 
 

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