EU Flight Compensation Rights 2026: €250 to €600 Under EC 261/2004 Explained

Every year, millions of passengers across Europe experience flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. What most of them don't realise is that EU law entitles them to compensation of up to €600 per person, whatever they paid for the ticket.

The regulation behind this? EC 261/2004, one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the world. And yet, most eligible passengers never claim what they're owed.

This guide covers everything you need to know: who qualifies, how much you can get, what airlines try to hide, and exactly how to make your claim.

Quick Answer

Under EC 261/2004, you're entitled to €250 to €600 compensation if your EU flight was delayed 3+ hours or cancelled with less than 14 days' notice. The amount depends on flight distance: €250 for short-haul (under 1,500 km), €400 for medium-haul (1,500–3,500 km), and €600 for long-haul (over 3,500 km). These rights apply to all passengers regardless of ticket price or airline type.

What Is EC 261/2004?

EC 261/2004 is a European Union regulation that came into force on 17 February 2005. It establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of:

• Denied boarding (usually due to overbooking)
• Flight cancellations
• Long delays (3 hours or more at arrival)

The regulation applies regardless of the ticket price. Whether you paid €29 for a Ryanair flight or €900 for a business-class seat, your rights are exactly the same.

It was designed to shift the balance of power from airlines to consumers, and it works, if you know how to use it.

Who Qualifies for EU Flight Compensation?

You're covered by EC 261 if either of these conditions is met:

1. Your flight departed from an EU/EEA airport, on any airline (including non-EU carriers like United, Emirates, or Turkish Airlines).
2. Your flight arrived at an EU/EEA airport, but only if operated by an EU/EEA-based airline.

Quick Reference

Departure	Arrival	Airline	Covered?
EU airport	Anywhere	Any airline	✅ Yes
Non-EU airport	EU airport	EU airline	✅ Yes
Non-EU airport	EU airport	Non-EU airline	❌ No
Non-EU airport	Non-EU airport	Any airline	❌ No

EEA countries include all EU member states plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and (for aviation purposes) Switzerland.

The UK is no longer covered as an EU departure point. Since 1 January 2021, flights departing the UK fall under UK261, the UK's post-Brexit copy of EC 261, which pays £220, £350 or £520. Flights from the EU to the UK are still covered by EC 261.

Connecting Flights

If you booked a connecting itinerary as a single reservation, the regulation applies to your entire journey. So if you flew Lisbon → Frankfurt → New York on a single booking, and you arrived in New York more than 3 hours late, you're covered, even though New York isn't in the EU.

How Much Compensation Are You Owed?

Compensation under EC 261 is based on the distance of your flight, not the ticket price:

Flight Distance	Compensation Amount
Up to 1,500 km	€250
1,500 – 3,500 km	€400
Over 3,500 km	€600

These amounts are per passenger, including children who had their own seat. A family of four on a delayed long-haul flight could be owed €2,400.

When Does Each Amount Apply?

€250: Short-haul flights (up to 1,500 km) Typical routes: Lisbon–Madrid, Porto–Paris, Amsterdam–London.

€400: Medium-haul flights (1,500–3,500 km) Typical routes: Lisbon–London, Porto–Berlin, Faro–Stockholm.

€600: Long-haul flights (over 3,500 km) Typical routes: Lisbon–New York, Porto–São Paulo, any transatlantic or intercontinental flight.

For a detailed breakdown with common routes from Portuguese airports, see our flight compensation calculator.

What Situations Are Covered?

Flight Delays

You're entitled to compensation if your flight arrives at its final destination 3 or more hours late. The delay is measured at the time the aircraft doors open at your arrival airport, not when the plane lands.

Delay	Compensation
Under 3 hours	No compensation (but you may be entitled to meals/refreshments)
3–4 hours	Full compensation based on distance
Over 4 hours	Full compensation based on distance

Flight Cancellations

If your flight is cancelled, you're entitled to compensation unless the airline informed you:

• More than 14 days before departure: no compensation owed
• 7–14 days before: compensation owed unless they offered re-routing arriving within 2–4 hours of the original schedule
• Less than 7 days before: compensation owed unless they offered re-routing arriving within 1–2 hours of the original schedule

Regardless of when they told you, a cancellation always entitles you to a choice between a full refund and re-routing.

Denied Boarding

If you're bumped from a flight due to overbooking (and you didn't volunteer), you're entitled to compensation immediately (see our denied boarding compensation guide for the full breakdown), plus re-routing or a refund.

Downgrading

If you're moved to a lower class of service, you're entitled to a partial refund: 30% for short-haul, 50% for medium-haul, or 75% for long-haul flights.

Extraordinary Circumstances: When Airlines Don't Have to Pay

Airlines are exempt from paying compensation when disruptions are caused by extraordinary circumstances: events outside the airline's control. These include:

• Severe weather (storms, heavy fog, volcanic ash)
• Air traffic control restrictions
• Political instability or security threats
• Strikes by airport staff or air traffic controllers (but NOT airline staff in most jurisdictions)
• Bird strikes (though courts have been narrowing this exemption)

What Does NOT Count as Extraordinary

Airlines routinely try to claim exemptions they're not entitled to. The following are generally not considered extraordinary circumstances:

• Technical/mechanical problems (these are the airline's responsibility)
• Crew shortages or staff sickness
• Airline staff strikes (in many EU countries)
• Delays caused by late arrival of the incoming aircraft
• IT system failures
• Operational decisions by the airline

The European Court of Justice has consistently ruled that technical faults are generally part of normal airline operations and generally do not exempt carriers from compensation (Wallentin-Hermann, C-549/07; van der Lans, C-257/14).

Your Additional Rights: Care and Assistance

Beyond compensation, EC 261 requires airlines to provide care and assistance during disruptions:

After 2 hours (short-haul) / 3 hours (medium) / 4 hours (long-haul):

• Meals and refreshments
• Two phone calls, emails, or faxes

If an overnight stay is needed:

• Hotel accommodation
• Transport to and from the hotel

If the delay exceeds 5 hours:

• Right to a full refund and return flight to your origin

These rights apply even when the airline isn't liable for compensation (e.g., weather delays). Keep your receipts: airlines must reimburse reasonable expenses.

How to Claim EU Flight Compensation

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before anything else, confirm your flight qualifies. You'll need:

• Your flight number and date
• The length of the delay at arrival (or cancellation details)
• Whether the disruption was within the airline's control

The fastest way? Check your flight with FlightOwed. Our system instantly verifies your eligibility and calculates your compensation.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You'll need:

• Booking confirmation or e-ticket
• Boarding pass (if you have it)
• Any communication from the airline about the disruption
• Receipts for expenses incurred (meals, transport, hotel)

Step 3: Submit Your Claim

You have two options:

Claim directly with the airline: You can write to the airline's customer service department. It costs nothing. Be prepared for delays, form letters, and rejections: airlines often reject valid claims on the first attempt.

Use a claims company: Companies such as AirHelp or Flightright handle everything for you, from contacting the airline to escalating to court if needed, on a no-win, no-fee basis. Their fees start from about 25% of the compensation (including VAT) and can reach up to 50% if the claim goes to court. See how claims companies compare. FlightOwed is not a claims company: it checks your flight for free and compares these services.

Step 4: Escalate If Necessary

If an airline rejects your claim or doesn't respond within 6–8 weeks, you can escalate to:

• National Enforcement Bodies (NEBs): Each EU country has one. For flights from Portugal, it's ANAC (Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil).
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Some airlines participate in ADR schemes.
• Small claims court: EC 261 claims can be pursued in court, and the law is firmly on the passenger's side.

Time Limits: How Long Do You Have to Claim?

There's no single EU-wide deadline: it depends on the national law of the country where you file. Here are some key examples:

Country	Time Limit
Portugal	3 years (safe guide; court period not settled)
UK	6 years (England and Wales; 5 in Scotland)
France	5 years
Germany	3 years
Spain	5 years (10 in Catalonia)
Netherlands	2 years (only a court summons stops the clock)
Belgium	1 year (one of the shortest in the EU)

Don't wait. Even if your flight was delayed two years ago, you may still be eligible. Check your flight now. It takes less than 60 seconds.

→ Part of the EC261 Complete Guide: see all related guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an EU citizen to claim?

No. EC 261 protects all passengers regardless of nationality. If your flight qualifies (see the coverage rules above), you can claim whether you're European, American, Brazilian, or from anywhere else.

Can I claim for a flight I took years ago?

Yes, as long as you're within the time limit for the relevant country. In Portugal, claim within 3 years to be safe. For UK claims, you have 6 years in England and Wales (5 in Scotland); flights departing the UK fall under UK261. Our guide to retroactive flight claims explains exactly how far back you can go and how to find old flight records. Check your eligibility to find out.

My airline said the delay was due to "operational reasons." Am I still entitled?

Almost certainly yes. "Operational reasons" is a vague term airlines use to avoid specifics. Unless the cause was genuinely extraordinary (severe weather, security threat, ATC strike), the airline likely owes you compensation.

What if my flight was delayed but I still arrived less than 3 hours late?

Unfortunately, the 3-hour threshold is firm for compensation. However, if your delay was over 2 hours, you may still be entitled to meals and refreshments under the airline's duty of care.

Can I claim if I had a connecting flight and missed it due to a delay?

Yes. If you booked both flights on a single reservation and arrived at your final destination 3+ hours late, you're covered. The compensation is based on the total distance of your journey.

Does EC 261 apply to charter flights and package holidays?

Yes. EC 261 applies to all commercial flights departing from EU airports, including charter flights. If your flight was part of a package holiday, you may also have additional rights under the Package Travel Directive; see our guide to package holiday flight compensation.

The airline offered me a voucher instead of cash. Do I have to accept it?

No. Under EC 261, you are entitled to cash compensation. Airlines often offer vouchers or miles as a cheaper alternative, but you are under no obligation to accept. Always insist on monetary compensation.

What if the airline doesn't respond to my claim?

If the airline ignores your claim or doesn't respond within a reasonable timeframe (6–8 weeks), you can escalate to the national enforcement body or pursue the claim through court. Claims companies can also take this over for you on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Can I claim for my children too?

Yes. Each passenger with a confirmed reservation is entitled to compensation, including children, even infants if they had their own seat. A family of four could receive up to €2,400 for a single disrupted long-haul flight.

How long does it take to get compensation?

It varies. Some airlines pay within a few weeks; others drag their feet for months. When airlines refuse to cooperate, legal proceedings can take 6–12 months. A claims company can take a refused claim to court for you, though court cases still take months, and its fee can rise to 50% when a claim goes to court. See how FlightOwed works for your options.

Does EC 261 apply to budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, or Wizz Air?

Yes, completely. EC 261 protects passengers regardless of the airline type or ticket price. Budget carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling are subject to exactly the same rules as full-service carriers. In fact, low-cost airlines generate a disproportionately high volume of claims due to their tight turnaround schedules, which cause delays to cascade across multiple flights.

What is the 50% compensation reduction rule?

When an airline cancels your flight or you're denied boarding, they can reduce the fixed compensation by 50% if they offer re-routing that arrives close to your original schedule. Specifically: within 2 hours (short-haul), 3 hours (medium-haul), or 4 hours (long-haul) of the original arrival time. If their alternative arrives later than these thresholds, or if no re-routing was offered at all, you're entitled to the full compensation amount.

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Don't Leave Money on the Table

If you've experienced a flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding in the last 3 years, there's a good chance you're owed compensation. The law is on your side: you just need to act on it.

Check your flight for free → FlightOwed's checker tells you whether EC 261 applies and how much you could be owed. You can then claim directly with the airline for free, or hand it to a claims company that works on a no-win, no-fee basis. FlightOwed never charges you.

Want to learn more? Read about 5 things airlines don't want you to know or find out exactly how much you're owed. For a deeper legal walkthrough, see our EC Regulation 261/2004 complete guide. For carrier-specific guides: Norwegian Air · easyJet 2025 · extraordinary circumstances evidence.