When EU passenger rights apply
EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to all flights departing from the EU and to flights into the EU on an EU airline. Compensation is due for an arrival delay of at least three hours, a cancellation less than 14 days before the flight and denied boarding due to overbooking.
How much you can get
| Flight distance | Compensation |
|---|---|
| up to 1,500 km | €250 |
| 1,500 to 3,500 km, and all flights within the EU over 1,500 km | €400 |
| over 3,500 km | €600 |
If the airline offers a replacement flight that arrives only a little later, compensation may be halved.
No compensation in extraordinary circumstances
For severe weather, air traffic control strikes or security risks the airline doesn't have to pay. Technical faults and strikes by the airline's own staff usually don't count according to case law. Ask for the reason for the delay in writing.
Care at the airport – always
Regardless of compensation, the airline must provide meals and drinks during longer waits, and a hotel and transfer if you need to stay overnight. With a delay of at least five hours you can withdraw from the flight and get the ticket price refunded. Keep receipts for your own expenses.
Baggage and trains
- Delayed or damaged baggage: report it at the airport straight away and file a written claim with the airline within 7 days (damage) or 21 days (delay).
- Trains: in the EU you get 25% of the fare back for a delay of 60 minutes at your destination and 50% from 120 minutes.
How to claim
- Directly with the airline using its form – that's free.
- Arbitration: if the airline refuses, a national enforcement or arbitration body can help, usually free of charge.
- Claim services take on the case for a commission if you don't want to deal with it yourself.
- Deadlines: they depend on the country – in Germany claims expire three years after the end of the year of the flight.
If your flight is delayed, Voynera shows the new time and warns about tight connections. The passenger rights assistant estimates whether you might be entitled to compensation – an estimate, not legal advice.
As of November 2026 · without guarantee