Flying Soon? Here’s What You Should Know About Delays and Compensation
Travel plans can change—are you ready for it?
Whether you’re flying for business, a long-awaited vacation, or a weekend getaway, air travel can be unpredictable. You’ve booked your flight, packed your bags, and made all the necessary arrangements—but then your flight is delayed, cancelled, or worse, overbooked. It’s a frustrating situation that thousands of passengers face every day.
While some disruptions are unavoidable, many travellers aren’t aware that they may be entitled to compensation. Knowing your rights before you travel can make all the difference in how you handle delays and cancellations—and how quickly you recover from them, both practically and financially.
Not all delays are created equal
A short delay may be annoying but manageable. However, once your flight is delayed by three hours or more, gets cancelled with little notice, or if you’re denied boarding due to overbooking, your trip can take a serious hit. In many cases, these disruptions fall under the protection of EU Regulation 261/2004, which means you could be entitled to flight delay compensation of up to €600.
This applies to most flights departing from or arriving in the EU, and even to some non-EU carriers. The amount depends on factors such as the length of your delay and the distance of your journey.
Simple steps to take before you fly
You can’t control the weather or prevent operational issues, but you can prepare yourself for the unexpected. Here are a few proactive steps to reduce stress and improve your chances of getting compensated if your flight doesn’t go as planned:
- Keep all documents handy: Boarding passes, booking confirmations, and any airline communication should be saved.
- Download the airline’s app: This gives you real-time updates and is often faster than checking airport screens.
- Know your rights: Read up on what counts as a valid claim, what expenses you might get reimbursed for, and how long you have to file.
- Check your flight status on the day of departure: Don’t rely on old schedules—flight times and gates can change last-minute.
If your flight is disrupted—act fast and smart
If you face a delay or cancellation, ask the airline staff for the reason in writing. Request food, drinks, and accommodation if necessary. Most importantly, gather proof: take photos of flight boards, save messages, and write down names of airline representatives you speak with.
Conclusion: Travel smarter, not harder
Flight disruptions are never ideal, but being informed helps you stay in control. With a bit of preparation and knowledge about your rights, you can turn a frustrating situation into a manageable one—and possibly receive compensation for the inconvenience. When in doubt, always check if you’re eligible for flight delay compensation—you might be owed more than just an apology.
