Regulation EC 261/2004
EU 261 compensation — your passenger rights in plain language
EU Regulation 261/2004 forces airlines to pay fixed compensation and provide care when they disrupt your journey. It applies across the EU/EEA and to EU carriers flying into Europe.
- Delays, cancellations, denied boarding
- $270–$650 fixed by distance
- Independent of ticket price
Who is covered
Which flights fall under EU 261
Coverage depends on where you fly from and which airline operates the flight.
- Any flight departing from an airport in the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland.
- Flights into the EU/EEA operated by an EU/EEA airline.
- Operating carrier is liable — even if you booked through another brand or OTA.
- Codeshares: the airline that actually flies the plane is usually responsible.
- Extraordinary circumstances (e.g. some ATC strikes, severe weather) can remove the cash duty — not always the care duty.
Compensation table
EU 261 amounts at a glance
These figures are set in the regulation. Airlines cannot replace them with a cheaper voucher unless you agree.
$270
Flights up to 1,500 km with a qualifying delay, cancellation or denied boarding.
$430
Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km under the same disruption rules.
$650
Flights over 3,500 km. Partial reduction can apply for some long-haul delays between 3–4 hours.
EU 261 in practice
The regulation only pays passengers who use it.
You now know what the law says. Two minutes with your flight number turns that into a claim we file, chase and enforce.
- Free eligibility check
- No win, no fee
- Two minutes to file
Claiming under EU 261
How to enforce your rights
You can claim yourself or mandate a specialist. Airlines often refuse first — persistence and evidence win.
Confirm the disruption
Final arrival delay, cancellation notice or denied boarding proof.
Check extraordinary circumstances
We compare the airline's excuse with weather, ATC and fleet data.
File against the operating carrier
Formal claim, ADR/regulator routes, then court if needed.
Collect the statutory amount
Fixed compensation plus any unpaid care costs where applicable.
FAQ
EU 261 FAQ
Core questions about the regulation passengers rely on.
Related guides
Your flight was disrupted. Your money is still waiting.
Check your flight in under two minutes. If it qualifies, we take it from there and you only pay when the airline pays you.