Your Air Passenger Rights
Understand the regulations that protect you when your flight is disrupted
International Passenger Protection Regulations
Multiple regulations exist worldwide to protect air passengers from flight disruptions. Here's what you need to know about each one.
πͺπΊ EU Regulation 261/2004
The most comprehensive air passenger rights regulation in the world, EU261 covers all flights departing from EU airports and EU airline flights arriving into the EU.
You're covered if:
- Your flight departed from any EU airport (any airline), OR
- Your flight arrived at an EU airport on an EU-based airline
- The disruption occurred within the last 3 years (varies by country β up to 6 years in some)
Compensation amounts:
| Distance | Amount | Delay Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 km | β¬250 | 3+ hours |
| 1,500 β 3,500 km | β¬400 | 3+ hours |
| Over 3,500 km | β¬600 | 4+ hours |
Additional rights: Meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation, and transport for long delays. Full refund or re-routing for cancellations.
π¬π§ UK Regulation 261 (UK261)
Following Brexit, the UK adopted its own version of EU261. The protections and compensation amounts are virtually identical but apply specifically to UK flights.
You're covered if:
- Your flight departed from any UK airport (any airline), OR
- Your flight arrived at a UK airport on a UK-based airline
- The disruption occurred within the last 6 years (England, Wales, NI) or 5 years (Scotland)
Compensation amounts:
| Distance | Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 1,500 km | Β£220 (~β¬250) |
| 1,500 β 3,500 km | Β£350 (~β¬400) |
| Over 3,500 km | Β£520 (~β¬600) |
Enforcement: The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) oversees compliance. Airlines can be fined for non-compliance.
πΊπΈ US DOT Regulations
The US Department of Transportation has rules protecting passengers, particularly for denied boarding (involuntary bumping) and tarmac delays.
Denied Boarding Compensation:
- Delay 1-2 hours (domestic) / 1-4 hours (international): 200% of one-way fare (max $775)
- Delay over 2 hours (domestic) / 4 hours (international): 400% of one-way fare (max $1,550)
Additional US Protections:
- Airlines must allow free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
- Tarmac delay rule: Airlines must provide food, water, and working lavatories for delays over 2 hours on the tarmac
- Passengers must be allowed to deplane after 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international) of tarmac delay
- 2024 rule: Airlines must provide automatic cash refunds for significant delays and cancellations
Note: US law does not mandate compensation for general flight delays like EU/UK law does, but the new 2024 refund rules significantly expand passenger protections.
π¨π¦ Canadian APPR
Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) came into effect in 2019, providing compensation for flight disruptions within the airline's control.
You're covered if:
- Your flight departs from or arrives at a Canadian airport
- You have a valid ticket and booking on a Canadian airline
- The disruption was within the airline's control (not safety-related)
Compensation amounts (large airlines):
| Delay at Arrival | Compensation |
|---|---|
| 3 β 6 hours | CAD $400 |
| 6 β 9 hours | CAD $700 |
| 9+ hours | CAD $1,000 |
Small airlines pay half: $125, $250, and $500 respectively. Airlines must also provide food, drink, accommodation, and rebooking for long delays.
When You May NOT Be Entitled to Compensation
Airlines don't have to pay compensation in all cases. Here are the main exceptions.
Extraordinary Circumstances
Severe weather conditions, natural disasters, volcanic eruptions, or extreme storms that make flying genuinely unsafe. Normal bad weather usually doesn't qualify.
Security Threats
Genuine security threats, bomb scares, political instability, or terrorism that directly affect the flight or airport operations.
Air Traffic Control Strikes
Disruptions caused by ATC strikes or ATC restrictions that are outside the airline's control. Note: airline staff strikes DO qualify for compensation.
14+ Days Notice
If your flight was cancelled and the airline notified you at least 14 days before departure, compensation typically isn't payable (though a refund may be due).
Acceptable Re-routing
If the airline offered re-routing that arrived within 2-4 hours of the original scheduled arrival, compensation may be reduced by 50% or not applicable.
Time Limitations
Claims must be made within the time limit: 3 years for most EU countries, 6 years for UK (England/Wales), 1 year for Canada. Don't wait too long!
Regulation Comparison Table
| Feature | πͺπΊ EU261 | π¬π§ UK261 | πΊπΈ US DOT | π¨π¦ APPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delay Compensation | Yes (3h+) | Yes (3h+) | Limited | Yes (3h+) |
| Cancellation Compensation | Yes | Yes | Refund only | Yes |
| Denied Boarding | Yes | Yes | Yes (strong) | Yes |
| Max Compensation | β¬600 | Β£520 | $1,550 | CAD $1,000 |
| Distance Based? | Yes | Yes | No (fare based) | No (delay based) |
| Time Limit | 2-6 years | 5-6 years | Varies | 1 year |
| Duty of Care | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes |
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